get a free pass

1. To receive an official document that grants the bearer freedom to travel without limitation. You'll have to get a free pass from the Ministry of Defense if you want to travel into the protected area for your story about nuclear disarmament. The journalist got a special free pass to drive into the protected area for her piece about the disarmament process. Hey! Even if you got a permission slip to leave class, that's not a free pass to wander aimlessly around the building!

2. To receive a permit to make use of something, especially public transportation, without charge. The government announced today that all citizens over the age of 60 will get a free pass for public buses and trains. Wait, you get a free pass for the train from your job? That's not a bad perk. Dang, I don't have any tokens on me for the subway. Can I get a free pass somewhere?

3. To be exempted from normal responsibilities or liabilities. The conviction of the billionaire sends a message to the world that no one gets a free pass to break the law. I know you're upset, Sarah, but that doesn't mean you get a free pass to treat other people like garbage. I know Mom left you in charge, but you didn't get a free pass to boss us around!