a slap on the wrist
Meaning
A mild punishment or reprimand for something that deserves a stronger penalty; a token consequence.
Origin
From the idea of a light physical smack on the wrist as a minor correction, the phrase came to mean a lenient penalty or reprimand, often implying insufficiency.
Notes
Often critical: implies the punishment is too lenient and wonβt deter future wrongdoing. Used in everyday speech, business, and news; can sound accusatory or sarcastic.
Examples
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The company got a slap on the wrist for dumping waste, but activists wanted a harsher penalty.
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He expected to be fired for the mistake, but he only received a slap on the wrist.
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The judge called it a slap on the wrist and warned that repeat offenses would mean jail time.
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If the punishment is just a slap on the wrist, people wonβt take the rules seriously.
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She was caught cheating once and got a slap on the wrist, which only encouraged her to try again.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase with an article: βa slap on the wrist,β often after verbs like get/receive/give. Plural: βslaps on the wrist.β Can follow βjust/only.β
Synonyms
- a light punishment
- a mild reprimand
- a token penalty
- a wrist-slap
Antonyms
- a harsh punishment
- a severe penalty
- the full force of the law