# walk free

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The criminal walked free after the trial.
- Despite the strong evidence against him, the jury found him not guilty and he walked free.
- The public expressed outrage when the corrupt official walked free, as many believed the judicial system had failed to deliver true justice.

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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.