free pass
No consequences today
A free pass is permission to enter without paying—a ticket or credential granting complimentary admission: The promoter gave us free passes to the concert.
Figuratively, a free pass is exemption from criticism, consequences, or the usual rules: He got a free pass on that mistake because of his seniority.
To give someone a free pass is to let them off easy.
Formal surrender of rights
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- exceptionDeviation from standard
- loopholeExploitable gap in rules
- dispensationOfficial permission to skip rules
exclusion · reprieve · amnesty · pardon · guest list · comp ticket · freebie · complimentary
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
- unchallengedFacing no opposition
- unquestionedAccepted without challenge
- impunityFreedom from consequences
leniency · clemency · forgiveness · absolution · acquittal · off the hook · blind eye · slack
Quicker alternative path
- headstartInitial competitive advantage
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
inside track · leg up · opportunity · preferential treatment · VIP treatment · special treatment · favoritism · privilege
waiver
Formal surrender of rights
dispensation · exclusion · reprieve · amnesty · pardon · guest list · comp ticket · freebie · complimentary · admission
excuse
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
- unchallengedFacing no opposition
- unquestionedAccepted without challenge
impunity · leniency · clemency · forgiveness · absolution · acquittal · off the hook · blind eye · slack · leeway
shortcut
Quicker alternative path
- headstartInitial competitive advantage
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
edge · inside track · leg up · opportunity · preferential treatment · VIP treatment · special treatment · favoritism · privilege · entitlement
- freebiesfreebie, freebies, samples, giveaways, giveaway
- passeslift ticket, access card, member card, membership card
- NASCARstock car, race car, pit stop, pit crew, checkered flag
- netballcentre, goal keeper, footwork, positions, court positions
- exemptionsexemption, tax exemption, medical exemption, religious exemption, tax exempt
- easy moneyeasy money, quick buck, fast cash, windfall, gravy train
free passpunishment
Penalty for an offense
penalty · consequences · sanction · reprimand · discipline
free passfull price
Amount without reductions
fee · toll · cover charge · admission fee · ticket
free passgrilling
Cooking on metal grates
interrogation · third degree · vetting · cross-examination · deep dive
free, pass, freedom, passing, freed, passport, freely, passed, passable