Phrase guide

get off lightly

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To end up with a mild punishment, or without serious harm.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • My cousin got off lightly with a restraining order after he broke the boy’s leg.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: s'en tirer à bon compte — end up with a mild punishment
  • Norwegian: slippe billig unna — end up with a mild punishment
  • Russian: легко отделаться (leχkó otdélat’sja) — end up with a mild punishment