slap sb on the wrist

/slˈap ˌɛsbˈiː ɒnðə ɹˈɪst/

/slˈæp ˌɛsbˈiː ɑːnðə ɹˈɪst/

[phrase]

to slap sb on the wrist

[PHRASE]

to give someone a mild warning or punish them in a way that is not harsh

to [slap] {sb} on the wrist definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "slap on the wrist" and when to use it?

The idiom "slap on the wrist" originated from the idea of giving someone a light physical punishment by lightly hitting their wrist. It is used to describe a mild or lenient form of reprimand or penalty for someone's wrongdoing. The phrase suggests that the punishment is not severe and does not effectively discourage or correct the behavior. It has been in use for a long time and is commonly used to express disapproval when a punishment is seen as too lenient or ineffective.

a slap on the wrist

/ɐ slˈap ɒnðə ɹˈɪst/

/ɐ slˈæp ɑːnðə ɹˈɪst/

[phrase]

a slap on the wrist

[PHRASE]

a light or mild punishment for a wrongdoing that has little or no significant impact or consequence

Examples

1. When upper management does the same the law slaps them on the wrist.

2. You need to slap them on the wrist, take away their license.

3. CHRIS YING: I think that's a really perfect description of what it is to eat at D.O.M. You're challenged, but I've been to so many meals that are like suffering, where trying to teach you something, and you feel like they're slapping you on the wrist when you don't understand right away.

Nearby words