scot-free

[skot-free] / ˈskɒtˈfri /

ADJECTIVE

completely free

Synonyms

WEAK

costing nothing for free free of charge without making a payment without penalty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The second case for concern is the idea that the British are bringing the powerful to account while America is letting them off scot-free.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

There are other similarly situated individuals who get off scot-free for perjury.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

When Georgia re-entered the Union, the military court closed up shop and newly empowered state prosecutors abandoned the case, letting the murderers off scot-free.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2023

Judge Thomas KC said this meant George's son "was not in any way sanctioned" and got away "scot-free".

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2023

But looking at Dr. Begbie now, seeing the deep lines carved in her face that no one in their twenties should have had, I wasn’t so sure they had gotten off scot-free.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken