free ride
1 of 1nouna benefit that is obtained at the cost or with the effort of another person
The idiom "free ride" likely originates from the literal concept of getting a ride or transportation without having to pay for it. It is used to describe a situation where someone benefits or takes advantage of something without making an equal or fair contribution. This phrase is often used to express criticism or disapproval when someone is perceived as benefiting from a situation without putting in the effort, cost, or responsibility that others do.
- A group of students who have been assigned to do a report where only one student cares, does all the work and the others go along for a free ride.
- Only those who share the work can share the benefits - nobody gets a free ride!
- Sarah always gets a free ride from her parents, living at home without paying rent or bills.
- He's been getting a free ride in the group project, not doing any work but still getting credit.
- It's not fair that he's getting a free ride on his taxes, while the rest of us are paying our fair share.
a soft treatment that does not require someone to face the consequences of their actions
The origin of the idiom "free ride" is not precisely documented, but it likely emerged from the idea of getting a ride without having to pay for it, which led to the broader sense of obtaining something without paying the expected price. It is used to refer to a situation where someone receives a benefit or advantage without putting in the necessary effort, facing the usual consequences, or having to work for it.
- Generally speaking, the press has given Jacobson a free ride.
- No one has seriously examined the president’s trade policy – he’s gotten a free ride so far.
- He always gets a free ride at work because of his family connections.
- The government shouldn't provide a free ride to companies that don't pay their fair share of taxes.
- Getting good grades in school requires studying; there's no free ride to success.