# go free

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-free
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To go or travel where one wishes; to not be kept in custody or confinement.

## Examples

- The judge decided to let the prisoner go free.
- After the evidence proved he was innocent, the court allowed him to go free.
- Following the sudden dismissal of all charges, the man was finally permitted to go free and return to his family after years of confinement.

## Origin

Derived from Middle English gon free, which itself descends from the Old English gān frīġne.

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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.