Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To excuse someone from a duty, obligation, or punishment: To allow someone not to do something they were supposed to do or to not punish them for something they did.
   • To allow someone to leave a vehicle or a place: To permit someone to disembark or alight.

Usage

• The verb "let off" is typically followed by a direct object (the person being excused or allowed to leave). It can be used in both active and passive voice.
• When meaning "to excuse," it is often followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "with" (for a light punishment) or "from" (for an exemption).
• When meaning "to allow to leave," it is often followed by a location (e.g., a bus stop, a station).

Examples

• Excusing from duty/punishment:
  • The teacher let the student off homework because he was ill.
  • The judge let him off with a warning instead of a fine.
  • I was let off from attending the meeting.
• Allowing to leave/alight:
  • Could you let me off at the next corner, please?
  • The bus driver let the passengers off at the terminal.

Advanced Usage

• "to let someone off the hook": To allow someone to escape from a difficult situation or to avoid blame or responsibility.
  • He made a mistake, but his boss let him off the hook this time.
• "to let off steam": To release pent-up energy or strong feelings, often through vigorous activity or loud expression.
  • After work, he goes to the gym to let off steam.

Variants and Related Words

• Let-off (noun, informal): An instance of being excused from something unpleasant, especially punishment.
  • Getting only a parking ticket was a real let-off after such a serious accident.

Synonyms

• Excuse: To forgive someone for a minor fault or for not doing something.
• Pardon: To forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offense).
• Release: To allow or cause to move freely; to set free.
• Discharge: To release someone from a duty or obligation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Let down: To disappoint someone; to fail to support.
  • He promised to help but let me down at the last minute.
• Let out: To allow to leave; to utter (a sound); to make (a garment) larger.
  • School lets out at 3 p.m.

Related Idioms

• Get off lightly: To receive less punishment than expected or deserved. (Similar in meaning to "be let off.")
  • He crashed the car but got off lightly with just a small repair bill.

Verb

1. grant exemption or release to
   • Please excuse me from this class