slap (redirected from slapping)

get your wrist slapped

a slap on the wrist - a warning or punishment that is not severe. We got our wrists slapped for leaving the door unlocked all night.

See also: wrist

slap and tickle (mainly British, old-fashioned, humorous)

sexual activity that is not serious. They were having a bit of slap and tickle on the sofa when I walked in.

See also: tickle

a slap in the face

an action that insults or upsets someone. The decision to close the sports hall was a slap in the face for all those who had campaigned to keep it open. (often + for)

See also: face

a slap on the back

praise or approval. We gave her a big slap on the back for helping to organize the concert.

See also: back

a slap on the wrist

a warning or punishment that is not severe. I got a slap on the wrist for arriving late again.

See also: wrist

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slap someone/something down

to refuse to accept someone's plan or idea. The judge slapped down every objection raised by the defense attorney. They applied for a permit and the building department slapped them down.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of slap down (= to bring under control by hitting)

See also: down

a slap in the face

an insult. She considered it a real slap in the face when she wasn't invited to join us.

See also: face

a slap on the back

a pat on the back

See also: back

a slap on the wrist

a gentle warning or light punishment. I got a slap on the wrist for arriving late again.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form slap someone on the wrist: Instead of firing him, she only slapped him on the wrist.

See also: wrist