Meaning & use
go free
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Meanings
phraseidiom
To be released from prison or punishment without further penalties.
Grammar: No object; the person who is released is the subject: The suspect went free.
Patterns
- go free
The judge ruled that the evidence was insufficient, so the defendant went free.
After ten years in prison, he finally went free.
She walked out of the courtroom and went free.
phraseidiom
To escape without being caught or punished.
Grammar: Often used about criminals or wrongdoers who avoid consequences.
Patterns
- go free
The thief went free because of a technical error in the investigation.
Many people were angry that the corrupt official went free.
Common combinations
- walk free
- The jury found him not guilty, and he walked free.
- go free on bail
- She went free on bail while awaiting trial.
- let someone go free
- The kidnappers let the hostage go free.
Synonyms and how they differ
- be released
- 'Be released' is more formal and often used in official reports; 'go free' is more dramatic and implies no punishment.
- walk free
- 'Walk free' is very similar but often emphasizes the moment of leaving court or prison.
Opposites
Practice
Despite the serious charges, the businessman ______ because of a lack of evidence.
Choose one answer.
'Went free' is the correct phrase meaning was released without punishment. 'Went freely' means did something willingly; 'freedom' is a noun and 'freer' is a comparative adjective.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “go free”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.