get away with: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom *get away with murder* is a commonly used variation of the phrase *get away with* that adds emphasis to the act of avoiding punishment. The addition of *murder* intensifies the meaning of the idiom, suggesting that someone has not only escaped consequences, but has done so after committing a particularly serious or heinous act. This phrase is often used metaphorically to express frustration or disbelief at someone's ability to evade accountability for their actions.

Another related idiom is *walk free*, which is used to describe a situation where someone is able to avoid punishment or legal consequences altogether. This phrase often implies a sense of injustice or a failure of the justice system to hold someone accountable for their actions. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from criminal cases where a defendant is acquitted despite evidence of guilt, to situations where someone avoids social or professional repercussions for their behavior.

The idiom *get away with murder* and the phrase *walk free* are both examples of how the idiom *get away with* can be expanded and modified to convey a stronger sense of the severity or injustice of the situation. These variations highlight the nuance and flexibility of idiomatic expressions, allowing speakers to convey a range of emotions and perspectives when discussing the concept of avoiding punishment or negative consequences.