slap on the wrist

noun phrase

Meaning

A very mild punishment that is considered insufficient for the severity of the offense.

Examples

Many critics argued that the fine was merely a slap on the wrist for such a massive environmental disaster.
The committee gave the student a slap on the wrist for cheating instead of the suspension he deserved.

Synonyms: warning, reprimand, censure

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slap on the wrist

noun phrase

Pronunciation: /slæp ɒn ðə rɪst/

Definition

A very mild punishment that is considered insufficient for the severity of the offense.

Examples

Many critics argued that the fine was merely a slap on the wrist for such a massive environmental disaster.
The committee gave the student a slap on the wrist for cheating instead of the suspension he deserved.

Synonyms of slap on the wrist

Words with a similar meaning to slap on the wrist:

Antonyms of slap on the wrist

Words with the opposite meaning to slap on the wrist:

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