Choose the most appropriate words from the options given below to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-
The thief was --- with a small fine.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Let off
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
Let off means to give someone a light punishment or none at all. The thief received only a small fine instead of a heavier punishment.
Example: The policeman let the boy off with a warning.
Complete sentence: The thief was let off with a small fine.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Let away — Incorrect. "Let away" is not a phrasal verb in standard English. The phrase for escaping punishment is "get away with".
Option 3: Let by — Incorrect. Let by means to allow someone to pass. It has nothing to do with punishment.
Example: The guard stepped aside to let us by.
Option 4: Let in — Incorrect. Let in means to allow someone to enter a place.
Example: Please let the cat in.
| Also asked in CUET (UG): let off – 29-05-2026 Slot 2, 21-05-2026 Slot 1 |