slap someone on the wrist

slap (one) on the wrist

To issue one with a very mild, inconsequential punishment or warning. The CEO ripped off millions of people, and instead of throwing him in jail where he belongs, they're just slapping him on the wrist. Of course the country is going to keep developing nuclear weapons if all we do is slap them on the wrist for it.See also: on, slap, wrist

slap someone on the wrist

verbSee slap someone’s wristSee also: on, slap, someone, wrist