“放一马

fàng yī mǎ

to let someone off; to refrain from punishing or strictly enforcing a rule against someone

这次就放你一马，下次绝不能再犯了。

I'll let you off this time, and you absolutely must not make this mistake again.

Etymology

This idiom comes from ancient Chinese horseback riding and battlefield contexts. Originally it referred to intentionally releasing a caught opponent's horse to let them escape, and later evolved to mean showing leniency to someone who has broken rules.

Memory Aid

Break the phrase down: 放 (release) + 一 (one) + 马 (horse). Imagine releasing a captured opponent's horse to let them get away — this image will help you remember it means letting someone off the hook.

Collocations

放我一马放他一马放你一马手下放一马

Synonyms

手下留情网开一面

Antonyms

严惩不贷赶尽杀绝

Related Words

宽恕宽容留情违规惩罚