free pass

1. An official document that grants the bearer freedom to travel without limitation. The journalist was given a special free pass to drive into the protected area for her piece about the disarmament process. Hey! Even if you were given permission slip to leave class, that's not a free pass to wander aimlessly around the building! Show your free pass to the security guard on the sidelines and he'll let you through.

2. A permit to make use of something, especially public transportation, without charge. The government here offers all citizens over the age of 60 a free pass for public buses and trains. Wait, your job gives you a free pass for the train? That's not a bad perk. Sorry I'm late, I forgot my free pass, and I didn't have any tokens on me for the subway.

3. An exemption from normal responsibilities or liabilities. The conviction of the billionaire sends a message to the world that no person is granted a free pass from the law. I know you're upset, Sarah, but that doesn't give you a free pass to treat other people like garbage. Just because Mom left you in charge doesn't mean you have a free pass to boss us around!