ENGLISH
REFERENCE

walk free

idiom
Meaning

To go unpunished; to win, or avoid, a criminal court case, particularly when actually guilty.


Examples
SIMPLE

The criminal walked free after the trial.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the strong evidence against him, the jury found him not guilty and he walked free.

COMPLEX

The public expressed outrage when the corrupt official walked free, as many believed the judicial system had failed to deliver true justice.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ball and Chalk

    [Cockney slang]walk

  2. 02

    cake walk

    Something extremely easy.

  3. 03

    cock of the walk

    A proud or conceited person.

  4. 04

    crawl before one walks

    To learn the basics before doing something at a more advanced level.

  5. 05

    feel free

    To feel able without giving offense.

  6. 06

    free hand

    Synonym of free rein.

  7. 07

    free lunch

    Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.

  8. 08

    free ride

    An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.

Last updated April 17, 2026