free passes

Noun

free pass (plural free passes)

1. A document entitling the bearer to free transportation.
   • As a railwayman put it to me: "When I saw chums of mine took their families down there by car, I could see the writing on the wall. We all had free passes, yet they got the car out!"2022 February 23, Benedict le Vay, “Part of rail's past... present... and future”, in RAIL, number 951, pages 53–54
2. (figuratively) An exemption from normal processes.
   • At the same time, however, no one is entitled to a free pass to the nation's highest court.2009 May 27, “Sottomayor deserves Senate's respect”, in The Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ

   Synonyms:

   exemption, get out of jail free card, immunity

3. An intentional walk.
   • Smith was issued a free pass after Jones' double.