let off


verb(tr, mainly adverb)
  1. (also preposition) to allow to disembark or leave

  2. to explode or fire (a bomb, gun, etc)

  1. (also preposition) to excuse from (work or other responsibilities): I'll let you off for a week

  2. to allow to get away without the expected punishment, work, etc

  3. to let (accommodation) in portions

  4. to release (liquid, air, etc)

  5. let off steam See steam (def. 6)

  6. let someone off with to give (a light punishment) to someone

Words Nearby let off

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use let off in a sentence

  • I was once trying a new pattern revolver, and made a very bad shot, although I knew I had let-off well.

  • Of the value of the accomplishment of reading, as a let-off to parents and guardians, it would be impossible to speak too highly.

    Wings and the Child | E. [Edith] Nesbit
  • They were now gathering their pence and having a let-off for their long pent-up gossip.

    Ask Momma | R. S. Surtees
  • "That's a let-off anyhow," said Betty to herself, and she propped up a Stevenson against the tea-pot.

Other Idioms and Phrases with let off

let off

Release by exploding; see blow off steam.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.