let off

British  

verb

1. (also preposition) to allow to disembark or leave

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

3. (also preposition) to excuse from (work or other responsibilities)

   I'll let you off for a week

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

5. to let (accommodation) in portions

6. to release (liquid, air, etc)

7. See steam

8. to give (a light punishment) to someone

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let off Idioms  

1. Release by exploding; see blow off steam .

2. Allow to go free or escape; excuse from punishment. For example, They let her off from attending graduation , or The headmaster let him off with a reprimand . [Early 1800s] Also see off the hook .

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Example Sentences

Mawuli’s kicking a ball around the compound, letting off steam after school as usual.

From Literature

The old rock seemed to say that Mount St. Helens was simply letting off steam, not preparing to blow its top.

From Literature

Lapaseotes was threatened with a $92,000 fine before she corrected the paperwork issue and was let off with a warning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gene looks her way and the pressure on my chest lets off just enough for me to scramble away to the side.

From Literature

Flares were let off, ticker tape flickered in the air and a stunning tifo rose from the terraces with an accompanying banner reading "For my town, for my club".

From BBC