# get out of jail free card

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-out-of-jail-free-card
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A certain privilege or advantage that provides relief from an undesirable situation or immunity from punishment or consequences.

## Examples

- He thinks his wealth is a get out of jail free card.
- A sincere apology is not always a get out of jail free card.
- The manager treated his promotion like a get out of jail free card for his recent mistakes.
- Being the owner's son is not a get out of jail free card when you arrive late to every shift.
- The athlete hoped his fame would be a get out of jail free card after he broke the team rules during the tournament.
- She mistakenly believed her long tenure at the company acted as a get out of jail free card, shielding her from the consequences of her poor performance.

## Origin

Originating as a physical component of the board game Monopoly, the phrase denotes a specific card that permits a player to exit the jail square without the customary delay or financial penalty. The term transitioned from the mechanics of the game into general English usage to describe a broader immunity from consequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.