Phrasal verb
let off
Meanings
To not punish someone; to forgive or excuse someone for a mistake.
To make a gun, firework, or other device explode or make a loud noise.
To release something such as steam, air, or a smell, often suddenly.
Definition
To let off means to allow someone to avoid punishment or blame, or to cause something like a gun or firework to explode or go off.
Let off is a phrasal verb with two very common meanings. It can mean not to punish someone, or to forgive a mistake and allow them to escape consequences. It can also mean to make something such as a gun, firework, or bomb explode or start making noise. The exact meaning depends on the object and the situation.
Examples
- The coach let off the team with a warning after they were late to practice.
- I accidentally broke the vase, but my sister let me off because I apologized right away.
- The staff let off a few fireworks after the festival ended.
- They let off steam by going for a long run after a stressful day.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "let off" (excuse/release) with "get off" (leave a place or stop working) and use the wrong verb in context.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.