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

See Examples For:

let off

The tech professional is a member of Jakarta's "Playing Community", a group that gathers after work every Friday to let off steam in ways not usually associated with grown-ups.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

He needed to let off a little steam.

From Slate ● Apr. 6, 2026

Stellantis parking scofflaws today don’t receive a fine and are typically let off with a warning, employees say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

A bit of “steam being let off AI-related names opens up the trade to more individuals coming in,” said Pavlik at Dakota Wealth.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 10, 2025

The fireworks were by Gandalf: they were not only brought by him, but designed and made by him; and the special effects, set pieces, and flights of rockets were let off by him.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien