getting away with murder
Unpunished serious wrongdoing
Getting away with murder means escaping consequences for serious wrongdoing.
The phrase is almost always figurative—not about actual homicide but about avoiding accountability for behavior that should bring punishment or criticism: The boss lets her get away with murder.
It often implies favoritism or lax standards that allow someone to behave badly without repercussions.
- impunityFreedom from consequences
- above the lawBeyond legal accountability
- turning a blind eyeIntentionally disregarding something obvious
- looking the other wayDeliberately ignoring wrongdoing
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
privilege · too big to fail · golden parachute · acquittal · cover-up · sweeping under the rug · bending the rules · abuse of power · accountability · scot-free · free pass · corruption · bribery · loophole · exploitation · inequality · whitewash · moral hazard
getting away with murderpaying the price
Enduring deserved repercussions
facing the music · getting caught · reaping what one sows · doing time
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