slap on the wrist
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But to many of the states, the deal looked like a slap on the wrist, not the catalyst needed to promote competition in concert ticketing.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
After a prolonged legal battle between Elon Musk and U.S. regulators over his past purchase of Twitter shares, the technology CEO is getting off with little more than a slap on the wrist.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
The 36-year-old's victim, Ismail Qureshi, described the sentence as "a slap on the wrist".
From BBC • May 1, 2026
The most important federal antitrust suit in live music may have just ended with barely a slap on the wrist.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
“Yeah, The Corporation will probably only get a slap on the wrist and get to set up shop somewhere else. Everything’s being blamed on Ladybird. Typical.”
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
