Meaning trap

let off

not punish

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

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

not punish

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

let off (release or fire)

Another meaning of 'let off' is 'release or fire'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

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

Pattern: let sb off (with sth)

WrongThe teacher let off him this time.

RightThe teacher let him off this time.

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

Patternlet sb off (with sth)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The judge declined to impose any penalty on the first-time offender.

Natural The judge let him off with a warning.

'Let off' naturally means spare from punishment. The formal version is legalese.

Words that usually travel with it.

Do not confuse with 'let out', which means to allow to leave.

let off (release or fire) — Another meaning of 'let off' is 'release or fire'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.