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

They want all the views to be on the victims and how awful we were, so they can go scot free.

From BBC

In a statement, Baroness Lawrence said "not a single police officer has been disciplined or will be charged" over the investigation, adding: "In my opinion the police have, yet again, got away 'scot free'."

From BBC

"Everyone will be investigated: the teams, the officials, the stadium, those who sold the tickets, the league, the federation, etc. Whoever was responsible, they won't get away scot free."

From BBC

“I just think he’s gotten away scot free. He’s still out there, and in my eyes, he’s a threat.”

From Washington Post

"It allowed people who committed crimes to go scot free."

From Fox News