give sb a (free) pass

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ fɹˈiː pˈas/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ fɹˈiː pˈæs/

[phrase]

to give sb a (free) pass

[PHRASE]

to not punish or criticize someone for their inappropriate or rude action or behavior

give sth a pass

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ pˈas/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ pˈæs/

[phrase]

to give sth a pass

[PHRASE]

to excuse or overlook something without criticism or consequences

What is the origin of the idiom "give something a pass" and when to use it?

The idiom "give something a pass" originates from the use of passes in various activities and contexts. Its exact origin can be traced back to the theater or entertainment industry. In this context, a "pass" referred to a complimentary ticket or permission given to someone to enter a show or event without charge. It is commonly used when there is a willingness to make an exception or not hold something to the same standard as others.

Examples

1. Sally's usually very well behaved, so I gave her a pass on this one.

2. So maybe we can give them a pass for getting the ball rolling on the world’s first mass extinction Do you want more Eons content?

3. And that type of media coupled with the radio interviews he was doing with hard-hitting reporters, and I point directly to people like Hugh Hewitt and Stephen K. Bannon, people who didn’t give him a pass on issues, but allowed him to learn, allowed him to listen to what the conversation was.

4. And look, I’m not here to justify whatever Bill O’Reilly did in his private life, but I can tell you as an interviewer, he never gave Donald Trump a pass.