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

He needed to let off a little steam.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

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 • Dec. 24, 2025

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

Lyon were awarded a spot-kick shortly after half-time but former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles failed to beat goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf from 12 yards as Nice were let off.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Wes looked down at the man on the couch and clenched his fist, almost as if he was going to follow Tony’s advice, but then his fingers eased, and he simply let off a smirk.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore