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 idiom question explores the phrase "to let someone off". In everyday English, this expression is commonly used in legal, disciplinary, or informal contexts where someone is excused from punishment, blame, or a duty. The correct option must capture the idea of excusing or freeing someone from negative consequences, not physically dropping them or ignoring their situation.

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.
• We often see this idiom in sentences like "The teacher let him off with a warning."
• The core idea involves not punishing someone as severely as expected or not punishing at all.

Concept / Approach:
"To let someone off" usually appears in constructions such as "let someone off the hook", "let someone off lightly", or simply "let someone off". In all of these, the central meaning is to excuse someone from blame, obligation, or punishment. Among the answer choices, "To release someone from blame" directly captures this sense. The other options either describe unrelated physical actions or ambiguous situations that do not involve excusing someone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common usage: "The judge let him off with a small fine" or "They decided to let her off this time because it was her first mistake." Step 2: Notice that in these examples, the person is escaping serious punishment or blame. Step 3: Examine "To release someone from blame." This exactly matches the idea of excusing someone so that they are no longer held responsible. Step 4: Examine "To let someone fall." This is a physical image of dropping or failing to support someone and does not convey excusing them from blame. Step 5: Examine "To leave someone in his present state." This is too vague and generic; it does not necessarily imply removing punishment or responsibility. Step 6: Examine "To refuse to answer." This idiom would apply to a different phrase such as "to pass on a question", not "to let someone off". Step 7: Conclude that "To release someone from blame" is the best interpretation of the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase common sentences: "The police let him off" can be restated as "The police released him from blame or punishment." "She was let off with a warning" means "She did not receive serious punishment; she was excused." Trying to restate these with the other options—"let him fall", "left him in his present state", "refused to answer"—would distort the meaning and fail to capture the intended idea.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"To let someone fall" is wrong because it describes a physical action or failure to support someone, not excusing them. "To leave someone in his present state" is wrong because it says nothing specifically about blame or punishment; it could apply to many neutral situations. "To refuse to answer" is wrong because it relates to questions or inquiries, not to releasing people from responsibility.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse "let someone off" with "let someone down" (to disappoint) or with literal physical meanings of "off". Another pitfall is choosing a vague option like "leave someone in his present state" simply because it seems harmless, but idioms usually have more specific meanings. Always think of a concrete sentence where the idiom is used and see which option fits that context.

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