let off

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

Idioms and Phrases

Release by exploding; see blow off steam .

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 .

Example Sentences

Forvie Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire has cautioned against letting off fireworks near Newburgh Beach due to the potential impact on two seal pups in the area.

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The German may also have been letting off steam after he was jeered by England fans at the City Ground in Nottingham following a shock friendly loss against Senegal in June.

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Liverpool's players were subjected to fireworks let off outside their Istanbul hotel designed to disturb their sleep - but it is a second successive loss that must act as the real wake-up call.

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While most action has been peaceful, Essex Police said eight officers were hurt on 17 July, when fireworks were let off and eggs thrown.

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"Nobody wants to be in that situation where you have to ask a stranger to knock on the door and ask the driver to let you off the bus because you haven't been let off."

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