[give] {sb} a (free|) pass
1
to not punish or criticize someone for their inappropriate or rude action or behavior
The idiom "give someone a pass" is an expression that originates from sports, particularly in the context of allowing a player to pass through or bypass a certain point without being challenged or penalized. In everyday language, it is used to describe the act of allowing someone to escape criticism, punishment, or scrutiny for a particular action or behavior.
- I know you're upset, Sarah, but that doesn't give you a free pass to treat other people like garbage.
- I'm not happy with his sass either, but his mom just died.Give the kid a pass.
- Sally's usually very well behaved, so I gave her a pass on this one.
- The press as always gave him a free pass as with so many other issues.
- I know he was late for the meeting, but he had a family emergency, so we should give him a pass this time.