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.
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
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
"He admitted to what he'd done, and it was like a slap on the wrist," she said.
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025
“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
