Meaning: A very mild punishment or reprimand for a wrongdoing.
Hindi: हल्की सजा, मामूली चेतावनी
Synonyms: light punishment, mild rebuke, minor reprimand
Asked in: SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025 · SSC CPO 2024 T-1 · SSC CPO 2022 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2022 T-1 · SSC GD 2022 T-1
slap on the wrist in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
We need to make sure that criminals like these get more from the authorities than a very mild punishment.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) a slap on the wrist
The most appropriate idiom to substitute "a very mild punishment" in the sentence is:
"a slap on the wrist"
Explanation:
• "A slap on the wrist" refers to a very mild punishment or a slight reprimand, which fits perfectly with the meaning of the original phrase "a very mild punishment".
The other idioms do not fit:
• "A taste of their own medicine" means to experience the same bad treatment that one has given to others.
• "An axe to grind" means having a personal reason to be angry or upset about something.
• "A blessing in disguise" means something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good later.
Thus, the correct answer is "a slap on the wrist". - SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom/phrase from the options:
"A slap on the wrist"Answer & explanation
Answer: B) A mild warning or light punishment
'A slap on the wrist' means a mild reprimand or a punishment that is much lighter than deserved.
It is not a literal painful injury, nor a friendly gesture, nor a public compliment. - SSC CPO 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
A slap on the wristAnswer & explanation
Answer: C) A very mild punishment.
Answer: 3 – A very mild punishment
Solution (Correct Option – 3: A very mild punishment):
The idiom “a slap on the wrist” means a very light or mild punishment for a wrongdoing, especially when a harsher punishment is expected or deserved.
Example: He was caught cheating, but he only got a slap on the wrist from the principal.
A slap on the wrist – बहुत हल्की या नाममात्र की सजा देना
Why other options are incorrect:
Punishment to an innocent – This would mean unjust punishment, which is not the meaning here.
Beating someone too much on the wrist – This is a literal meaning, while idioms are figurative.
Suggest something secretly – This would refer to idioms like “drop a hint,” not this one.
Examples
- “Despite the serious offense, he received only a slap on the wrist.”
slap on the wrist – questions
What is the meaning of slap on the wrist in Hindi?
slap on the wrist means “हल्की सजा, मामूली चेतावनी” in Hindi. In English: A very mild punishment or reprimand for a wrongdoing.
What are the synonyms of slap on the wrist?
Synonyms of slap on the wrist: light punishment, mild rebuke, minor reprimand.
Has slap on the wrist been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – slap on the wrist has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025, SSC CPO 2024 T-1, SSC CPO 2022 T-1, SSC CHSL 2022 T-1, SSC GD 2022 T-1.