free pass

He holds a free pass to enter the museum.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A document or ticket that allows entry without payment: A "free pass" is an official document, ticket, or token that grants a person the right to enter a venue, event, or facility without having to pay the usual fee.
   • A privilege of exemption from a rule or obligation: In a figurative sense, a "free pass" means being allowed to avoid a penalty, criticism, or responsibility that would normally apply.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal):

  • The student received a free pass to the museum for her excellent grades. (A ticket granting entry without payment.)
  • Employees were given a free pass to the company's annual party. (An official document allowing free entry.)

• Noun (figurative):

  • The politician seemed to get a free pass from the media on his controversial comments. (Exemption from criticism or scrutiny.)
  • No one should get a free pass for breaking the rules, regardless of their status. (Exemption from consequences.)

Advanced Usage

• "to get a free pass": to be allowed to do something without facing the usual consequences or restrictions.
  • He got a free pass on his late assignment because of the family emergency. (He was excused from the penalty.)
• "to give someone a free pass": to grant someone an exemption or leniency.
  • The teacher gave the student a free pass for missing class due to illness. (The teacher excused the absence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Free (adj): costing nothing; without payment.
  • The concert was free for all residents. (No cost involved.)
• Pass (n): a ticket or document that allows entry or access.
  • She showed her pass at the gate. (An official entry document.)

Synonyms

• Complimentary ticket: a ticket given without charge.
• Exemption: the act of being freed from an obligation or penalty.
• Carte blanche: full authority to act as one wishes (similar in figurative sense, though broader).

Phrasal Verbs

• (No common phrasal verbs directly use "free pass" as a phrasal verb; it is a fixed noun phrase.)

Related Idioms

• Get off scot-free: to escape punishment entirely (similar in meaning to receiving a figurative free pass).
  • He got off scot-free despite his role in the accident. (He escaped all blame.)
• A walk in the park: something very easy (not directly synonymous, but implies lack of difficulty, as with a free pass).
  • The exam was a walk in the park for her. (It was very easy.)