get out of jail free card: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get out of jail free card’ mean?
The idiom "get out of jail free card" means a valuable resource or opportunity that allows someone to avoid negative consequences or escape a difficult situation, similar to the game of Monopoly where this card allows a player to be released from jail without penalty.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let-out" is commonly used in English language, particularly in the United States. It is a compound noun, consisting of the verb "let" and the preposition "out."
The idiom "let off" means to release or allow someone to escape punishment, usually in a lenient or forgiving manner.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "hold the cards" means to have the control or power in a situation.
The idiom "golden ticket" means an unmissable opportunity or a pass to something special or exclusive, often with great rewards or advantages.
The idiom "get out while the getting's good" is a commonly used phrase in English that conveys a sense of seizing an opportunity or taking advantage of a favorable situation before it changes or disappears.
The idiom "get out of someone's hair" means to stop bothering or annoying someone, to leave them alone or to give them space.
The idiom "get out of here" is commonly used as a way to express disbelief or skepticism towards something. It is often used to show surprise or astonishment, and can be used in a variety of situations to convey a sense of disbelief or incredulity.
The idiom "get out of Dodge" means to leave a dangerous or unpleasant situation quickly, just as the character in the TV series "Gunsmoke" would leave the dangerous town of Dodge City to avoid trouble.
The idiomatic phrase "get off lightly" means to escape punishment or a negative outcome with less severity or consequences than expected or deserved.
Unveiling the Depths
The idiom "get away with" is closely related to the concept of a "get out of jail free card." When someone "gets away with" something, it means they avoid punishment or negative consequences for their actions. This idiom implies that the person has managed to escape responsibility, just like using a "get out of jail free card" to avoid the penalty of being incarcerated in the game of Monopoly.
"get away with murder" is another idiom that is linked to the idea of escaping consequences. It is often used to describe a situation where someone manages to avoid punishment for a serious offense or wrongdoing, similar to the way a "get out of jail free card" allows a player to avoid the consequences of being in jail within the game.
Both of these idioms highlight the notion of avoiding negative outcomes or repercussions. They suggest the possibility of circumventing responsibility through clever tactics or fortunate circumstances. While these idioms are metaphorical in nature, they reflect a universal desire to escape the consequences of our actions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get out of jail free card" can be used in a sentence:
- 1. He used his connections to obtain a get out of jail free card and avoided any legal consequences.
- 2. The politician promised the voters that he would not grant any get out of jail free cards to his corrupt associates.
- 3. After pleading guilty, she hoped that her cooperation with the authorities would serve as a get out of jail free card during her sentencing.
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