let off — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

let off

not punish release or fire

Meaning 1 · most common

not punish

let sb off with sth

to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The teacher let me off with just a warning because it was my first time being late.

A: Did you get in trouble for missing the meeting?
B: No, my boss let me off this time since I explained the situation.

Common mistake

Not: The teacher let off ~~him~~ this time.

Say: The teacher let him off this time.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let him off'.

More on “not punish”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, if someone makes a small mistake at work, it's better to let them off with a warning rather than give a strict punishment.

Tell it apart

The police let him off with a caution.

didn't punish him

They let off some fireworks.

set them off

Goes with

let off + with

Practice saying this

Next meaning: release or fire

Meaning 2

release or fire

let off sth

to cause something, such as a bomb, gun, or firework, to explode or shoot

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Someone let off fireworks in the street to celebrate the festival.

A: What was that loud noise last night?
B: Oh, some kids let off firecrackers near the park.

Common mistake

Not: They let off ~~with~~ fireworks.

Say: They let off fireworks.

'Let off + thing' directly — don't add 'with'.

More on “release or fire”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During New Year's Eve, people in my country often let off fireworks to welcome the new year.

Tell it apart

They let off fireworks.

set them off

The judge let him off.

didn't punish him

Goes with

let off

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Spot the meaning

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not punish release or fire