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1
not punishto allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it
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2
release or fireto cause something, such as a bomb, gun, or firework, to explode or shoot
Spot the meaning
Which one is it?
Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.
All meanings, in depth
Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.
1
B1let sb off with sthMost common
to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it
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.
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.
Common mistake
✗The teacher let off him this time.
✓The teacher let him off this time.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let him off'.
Tell it apart
The police let him off with a caution.
didn't punish himThey let off some fireworks.
set them offOften used when someone is excused from a punishment, fine, or responsibility.Do not confuse with 'let out', which means to allow to leave.
Often paired with
let off + with
to cause something, such as a bomb, gun, or firework, to explode or shoot
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.
During New Year's Eve, people in my country often let off fireworks to welcome the new year.
Common mistake
✗They let off with fireworks.
✓They let off fireworks.
'Let off + thing' directly — don't add 'with'.
Tell it apart
They let off fireworks.
set them offThe judge let him off.
didn't punish himCommonly used for fireworks, alarms, or weapons.Not about excusing someone; this sense is about making something happen, like an explosion.
Turn this into speaking practice
Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.