Idiom
give someone a slap on the wrist and slap someone on the wrist; slap someone's wrist
Theme: PUNISHMENT - LIGHT
to give someone a light punishment (for doing something wrong).The judge gave her a slap on the wrist for speeding.The judge should have done more than slap her wrist.They should do more than just slap his wrist.
Slang
slap someone's wrist and slap someone on the wrist
Theme: PUNISHMENT
tr. to administer a minor reprimand.The judge only slapped her wrist.The courts only slap them on the wrist and send them back out on the streets.