beat the rap
Dodge the charges
To beat the rap is to escape punishment for a crime, especially through acquittal or having charges dropped rather than being proven innocent: He beat the rap on a technicality.
The phrase comes from rap meaning a criminal charge or accusation.
It suggests getting away with something rather than genuine exoneration.
- get offDepart from transport
- acquitFind not liable
- walkTravel on foot
- technicalityPrecise procedural point
- legal loopholeExploitable gap in law
charges dropped · judge · exoneration · slip · absolution · clemency · loophole · mistrial · beyond reasonable doubt · immunity · dismissal · get away with · statute of limitations · escape · alibi · pardon · skate · vindication
beat the rapserve time
Be imprisoned
do time · go to jail · take the fall · face the music · get time
beat the raptake responsibility
Accept fault for outcomes
pay the price · answer for · own up · own up to · confess
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