slap on the wrist

slap on the wrist
*a slap on the wrist
1. Lit. a hit on the wrist as a mild punishment for putting one's hands where they shouldn't be or taking something. (*Typically: get \slap on the wrist; give someone \slap on the wrist.) •

When Billy tried to grab another cookie, he got a slap on the wrist.

2. Fig. to get a light punishment (for doing something wrong). (*Typically: get \slap on the wrist; give someone \slap on the wrist.) •

He created quite a disturbance, but he only got a slap on the wrist from the judge.

I thought I'd get a slap on the wrist for speeding, but I got fined $500.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • slap on the wrist — If someone gets a slap on the wrist, they get a very minor punishment when they could have been punished more severely …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • slap on the wrist — ► slap on the wrist a mild reprimand or punishment. Main Entry: ↑slap …   English terms dictionary

  • slap on the wrist — I. phrasal : a gentle usually ineffectual reprimand punishment will be more than just a slap on the wrist and will discourage recurring violations Arthur Herrick II. phrasal or slap the wrist of or slap one s wrist : to rep …   Useful english dictionary

  • slap on the wrist —    If someone gets a slap on the wrist, they get a very minor punishment when they could have been punished more severely.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If you get a slap on the wrist, you receive mild punishment, or you are reprimanded …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • slap on the wrist — noun A mild or overly mild punishment; a reprimand. He got a slap on the wrist, but I dont think hell reform …   Wiktionary

  • slap on the wrist — idi relatively mild criticism or censure: He got away with a slap on the wrist[/ex] …   From formal English to slang

  • a slap on the wrist — the judge let that bastard go free, with nothing more than a slap on the wrist Syn: reprimand, rebuke, reproof, scolding, admonishment; informal rap on/over the knuckles, dressing down …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • slap on the wrist — a mild reprimand or punishment. → slap …   English new terms dictionary

  • a slap on the wrist — REPRIMAND, rebuke, reproof, scolding, admonishment; informal telling off, rap over the knuckles, dressing down; Brit. informal ticking off, wigging; Austral./NZ informal serve. → slap * * * a slap on the wrist …   Useful english dictionary

  • (a) slap on the wrist — a slap on the wrist phrase a punishment that is less severe than is expected or usual All he got was a slap on the wrist and he kept his job. Thesaurus: general words for punishmentsynonym punishment of being legally killedhyponym Main entry …   Useful english dictionary

  • (a) slap on the wrist — a gentle warning or light punishment. I got a slap on the wrist for arriving late again. Usage notes: sometimes used in the form slap someone on the wrist: Instead of firing him, she only slapped him on the wrist …   New idioms dictionary

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