let off

phrasal verb

let off; letting off; lets off

: to allow (someone) to get off a bus, an airplane, etc.

Could you let me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?

The bus stopped to let off a few passengers.

: to allow (someone who has been caught doing something wrong or illegal) to go without being punished

The police officer let her off with just a warning.

They let him off easy/easily/lightly, if you ask me.

: to cause (something) to explode or to be released in a forceful way

let off a firecracker

opened the valve to let off pressure

Examples of let off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But that doesn’t mean dirty players should be let off the hook. —

Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024 There’s another theory of the case, which argues that Biden’s team shouldn’t be let off the hook so easily. —

Andrew Prokop, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Accusations that Black people will wait in line for sneakers or fast food but not to exercise political power gets parroted over and over, while the majority white electorate gets let off the hook for commandeering the ship. —

Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024 The natural woven pendant can fit in with most design styles, and the lamp lets off a soft white light that will make any space extra cozy. —

Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for let off