In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to let someone off".

Introduction / Context:
This is a repeat idiom question on the phrase "to let someone off". It again tests whether you understand that this expression refers to excusing someone from punishment, blame, or a duty. The meaning does not change with repetition; what matters is choosing the option that best captures this idea of being spared from consequences.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "to let someone off".
• Options:
  • To let someone fall.
  • To leave someone in his present state.
  • To release someone from blame.
  • To refuse to answer.
• Typical usage: "The teacher let the student off this time" or "They let him off with a warning."
• We focus on the idea of being excused from negative outcomes.

Concept / Approach:
In phrases like "let someone off the hook" and "let someone off lightly", the verb "let off" clearly points to sparing someone from punishment or serious consequences. The answer choice "To release someone from blame" directly expresses this meaning. The other options do not refer to punishment or responsibility at all, so they cannot be correct interpretations of this idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "to let someone off" is usually used when someone has done something wrong or broken a rule but is not punished severely. Step 2: Consider "To release someone from blame." This phrase means to free someone from responsibility or guilt, aligning perfectly with being "let off." Step 3: Consider "To let someone fall." This would refer to a physical act of dropping someone or failing to support them, not to excusing them from punishment. Step 4: Consider "To leave someone in his present state." This is vague and does not imply forgiveness or removal of consequences. Step 5: Consider "To refuse to answer." This relates to avoiding a question, not to letting a person escape blame. Step 6: Conclude that "To release someone from blame" is the only option that matches how the idiom is used in real-life contexts.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: "The judge decided to let the young offender off" can be rewritten as "The judge decided to release the young offender from blame or severe punishment." Similar paraphrases work for school or workplace examples. None of the other answer options can substitute without changing the meaning drastically, which confirms the chosen interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"To let someone fall" is wrong because it describes physical movement, not moral or legal responsibility. "To leave someone in his present state" is wrong because it says nothing about blame or punishment. "To refuse to answer" is wrong because it relates to avoiding questions, which is a different concept altogether.

Common Pitfalls:
Repeated questions like this can tempt students to second guess themselves and look for a different answer the second time. However, idioms have stable meanings, and you should confidently choose the same correct interpretation whenever the expression appears. Do not be misled by unfamiliar wording in distractor options; always rely on how the phrase is actually used in sentences you know.

Final Answer:
"To let someone off" means to release someone from blame.