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The phrase “get out of jail free card” is a phrase that may be heard often, especially if you get into trouble more often than most. If you were thinking this is some sort of card you can carry around like a credit card to use in case you go to jail, think again. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the story of its origin.
You will also find some example sentences and conversations that use this phrase correctly to help you use the phrase properly for yourself. Lastly, you will see some provided alternatives to substitute in place of this phrase that you can use to convey the same meaning.
Get Out Of Jail Free Card Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “Get Out of Jail Free card” refers to a situation or opportunity that allows someone to avoid consequences or escape a difficult situation without punishment.
Get Out Of Jail Free Card Meaning
The phrase “get out of jail free card” is an idiom and considered slang. It means using something that you possess to get you out of trouble immediately in a given situation without suffering the consequences.
Origin of this Idiom
The phrase “get out of jail free card” gets its origin from the board game Monopoly. In the original version of this game, there are two decks of cards that a player can pick from when they land on certain spots on the board. Within the two decks, there is one “get out of jail free card” in each one. Players who draw these cards are permitted to keep them in their possession in case they land on the “go to jail” spot. On their next turn, the player with one of these cards can use it to “get out of jail” without having to forfeit their turn.
Usage of “Get Out Of Jail Free Card”
- In personal situations: “He forgot his wife’s birthday, but the surprise vacation he planned turned into his ‘get out of jail free card.'”
- In the workplace: “The CEO’s public apology acted like a ‘get out of jail free card’ after the company’s mistake caused an uproar.”
- In politics: “His popularity with voters seems to be his ‘get out of jail free card’ when it comes to handling scandals.”
- In law: “The settlement deal acted as his ‘get out of jail free card,’ allowing him to avoid a lengthy trial.”
Related Terms to “Get Out Of Jail Free Card”
- Free pass – A situation where someone is excused from consequences or punishment.
- Carte blanche – Complete freedom to act as one wishes, often without facing consequences.
- Loophole – A technicality that allows someone to avoid the usual rules or consequences.
- Pardon – Official forgiveness that releases someone from punishment, often in legal contexts.
- Grace period – A temporary period where someone is not penalized for their actions.
- Immunity – Protection from legal consequences or punishment.
- Off the hook – No longer responsible or no longer facing consequences.
- Second chance – An opportunity to avoid punishment or consequences by being given another try.
- Amnesty – A pardon for people who have committed an offense, often used in political contexts.
- Get away with it – To escape punishment or consequences for wrongdoing.
Alternatives to “Get Out Of Jail Free Card”
There are several words or phrases that you can use in place of the phrase “get out of jail free card” to convey the same meaning. Some of these include:
- Get away with it
- A free pass
- Walk free
“Get Out Of Jail Free Card” Examples
Example Sentences
- Maddie soon discovered that she couldn’t always play her get out of jail free card in every situation to keep herself out of trouble.
- Sometimes a get out of jail free card isn’t effective and you have to suffer the consequences anyway.
Example Conversations
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: Hey, you never called me back last night. I had something really important to tell you!
- Friend 2: Sorry! I fell asleep right after doing my homework. I was exhausted.
- Friend 1: It’s okay. I’ll let you use that get out of jail free card this time!
A conversation between a father and his son.
- Father: Your mom said you came in after curfew last night.
- Son: I admit that I was a bit late. I have no excuse, I simply just wasn’t keeping track of the time.
- Father: Okay. I will let you use your get out of jail free card this time, but next time there will be some consequences.
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