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.

It would be generous to call that fine a slap on the wrist.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

The judge gave Google a slap on the wrist and said the competitive dynamics of the marketplace were changing already, largely because of AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

"We remain hopeful that his sentencing will not be merely a slap on the wrist but a decision that upholds the seriousness of his crime." the Yarl family said in a statement to local media.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

It’s essentially a legal slap on the wrist, but it’s rarely used because district court judges are typically given a lot of leeway to run their dockets and appellate courts are loath to get involved.

From Slate • May 15, 2024

“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