A slap on the wrist Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
A punishment or warning that is very mild and not serious, especially compared to the offense committed.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
Informal, often used critically when someone avoids serious consequences. Common with 'just/got a slap on the wrist.' Used for legal, school, or work contexts. Not literal—it's an idiom.
جمل نموذجية
The student got a slap on the wrist for cheating on the test.
basic
He broke the rules but only got a slap on the wrist.
basic
The company received a slap on the wrist for polluting the river.
basic
After stealing, he basically got a slap on the wrist—just a warning and nothing more.
natural
Many people think corrupt politicians just get a slap on the wrist instead of real punishment.
natural
Getting only a slap on the wrist for something serious sends the wrong message to others.
natural