treatment in which someone is punished or judged less strongly or severely than would be expected

The defending lawyer asked for leniency on the grounds of her client's youth. 辩护律师以其当事人还年轻为由请求宽大处理。

But for the leniency of the referee, the player would have been sent off. 如果不是裁判的宽宏大量，这名球员就会被罚下场。