scott free??

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Post Reply
94BANSHEE
Rising Star
Rising Star
Posts: 86
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2004 9:27 pm

scott free??

Post by 94BANSHEE »

is this the correct spelling of this expression:

"He got off SCOTT free!"

also, why do we speak like this? do you know where this expression came from? thanks!!
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15208
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Post by Alan »

It is spelt 'scot-free'. 'Scot' here is an archaic word for 'taxes' (unrelated to 'Scotsman'!).
Post Reply