free ride

free ride

An unfair advantage or special treatment that a person receives without earning it or paying for it. Even though his grades were poor, Gary thought he should get a free ride to college because he was a football star. You're getting a free ride living with your parents. You don't even have to pay rent!
See also: free, ride
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

free ride

 
1. Lit. a ride to somewhere for which no payment is demanded. I got a free ride from a truck driver who was headed for town. I won't call a taxi when I can get a free ride.
2. Fig. an easy time; participation without contributing anything. You've had a free ride long enough. You have to do your share of the work now. No more free rides around here. Get off your duff and get a job!
See also: free, ride
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

a free ride

INFORMAL
COMMON If someone gets a free ride in a particular situation, they get a benefit without working or paying for it. I never wanted anyone to think I was getting a free ride or special treatment from the boss. I certainly wasn't just sitting around, getting a free ride. Note: This expression is used to show disapproval.
See also: free, ride
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

free ride

n. an easy time; participation without contributing anything. You’ve had a free ride long enough. You have to do your share of the work now.
See also: free, ride
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a free ride
  • get a free ride
  • get, take, etc. a free ride
  • exert
  • exert (oneself)
  • exert oneself
  • good bet
  • a good bet
  • a safe bet
  • bill of goods
References in periodicals archive
Several factors may weaken the hypothesized positive relationship between RTW and FREE RIDE. First, residence in a non-right-to-work state does not necessarily mean that a covered employee's union has been able to win a union shop in collective bargaining.
Right-to-work laws and free riding
As well as free rides on the carousel, students were treated to a free drink from the Loewenthal family stall at the Frankfurt Market.
Youngsters enjoy free ride
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on June 27 said in the Lok Sabha that it had not received any proposal on Delhi government's plans to provide a free ride for women commuters in Delhi metro.
Delhi: DTC to offer free rides to women on Raksha Bandhan
Online registration for the 'Student Free Ride' ID will start on Friday, June 28, according to DOTr.
Coming soon: Free rides for students at MRT-3, LRT-2, PNR - DOTr
The free rides will be offered starting with the 4:30 a.m.
LRT-2, MRT-3 offer war veterans free rides this month
For those displaced by the South California fires, the ridesharing company Lyft is offering free rides.
How To Avail Free Lyft Ride For Evacuees of SoCal Fires
One hopes the free ride initiative will go a long way in inspiring people to use public transport.
Hopping on the free ride
In June, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had proposed free ride for women on all DTC buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains.
Delhi govt announces free rides for women on DTC, cluster buses from Oct 29
More students availed of the free ride at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, with 2,478 recorded on Tuesday, the highest in a day since its start on July 1.
More students benefit from free MRT-3 rides
The LRTA also asked PWDs to present their PWD identification cards to get a free ride.
LRT 2 to give PWDs free rides on July 17
Tugade added that the free ride program will also help in reducing the daily costs of students which could be utilized for other school needs and requirements.
More than 3,000 students avail free train rides
Doha Metro passengers can either walk or take a free ride service from the Al Qassar station.
Katara becomes accessible for Doha Metro commuters
Summary: The Delhi government's decision to provide free ride for female passengers is a revolutionary move in the direction of women's safety.
Women deserve to move around without fear
A state review of the practice a decade ago found that eligible employees who took advantage of the free ride benefit comprised about 1 percent of bus, subway and light rail trips.
Senate yanks study on free rides for legislators