a slap on the wrist

slap on the wrist

A mild punishment or warning. Bill hasn't been late to school that many times, so just give him a slap on the wrist for his tardiness. Most people are outraged that the corporation only received a slap on the wrist after violating so many regulations.

See also: on, slap, wrist

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a slap on the wrist

A slap on the wrist is a small punishment or occasion when someone is told they have done something wrong. She was given a small fine — a slap on the wrist really. But other than a few slaps on the wrist, the General went unpunished.

See also: on, slap, wrist

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

a slap on the ˈwrist

(informal) a small punishment or warning: I got a slap on the wrist from my secretary today for leaving the office so untidy.

See also: on, slap, wrist

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017