scot-free

[ skot-free ]

adjective

1. completely free from harm, restraint, punishment, or obligation:

   The driver of the car escaped from the accident scot-free. The judge let the defendant off scot-free.

scot-free

adverb

1. predicative without harm, loss, or penalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of scot-free¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; scot, -free

Word History and Origins

Origin of scot-free¹

C16: see scot and lot

Example Sentences

It is disappointing and, frankly, frightening that Thompson walked away from his repugnant Sea World excursion scot-free.

From The Daily Beast

While the police may walk away scot-free, we still remember what they did.

From The Daily Beast

Or, alternatively, we could run away scot-free down Fifth Avenue and pause now and then to inseminate someone.

From The Daily Beast

And then when they do, because of you, they get off scot free!

From The Daily Beast

And even if the suspect goes on to be pronounced innocent, he or she does not get off scot-free.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes an entertainment is being prepared scot-free for his back; and sometimes his back is a beautifully embroidered carpet.

From Project Gutenberg

I only wish I had been there; they wouldn't have got off scot-free, the scoundrels!'

From Project Gutenberg

And if you can show that you weren't there at all—why, out you go, scot-free.

From Project Gutenberg

He is then considered as having paid for his footing, and may ever afterwards pass scot-free.

From Project Gutenberg

Cushing's coolness, courage, dash, and invincible luck had carried him scot-free through another dare-devil adventure.

From Project Gutenberg