The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SCOT-FREE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
C
O
T
-
F
R
E
E
More clues leading to the result SCOT-FREE
- National rate cut by operator finally without penalty
- Artful secret of not having to pay a thing!
- Secret of getting drunk with no negative consequences
- The SNP’s UK vision unharmed?
- Avoiding the consequences of Sturgeon’s plan for UK?
- Secret of crackers not requiring payment
- One leaving Old Tolbooth without penalty?
- Drunkard smuggling cocaine runs through charge unpunished
- Case where say you may escape rule-breaking charge without consequences
- Maybe Glaswegian father evacuated estate without harm
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "without penalty" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case without penalty = scot-free.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SCOT-FREE mean?
SCOT-FREE adverb- Free of scot, free of tax.
- Without consequences or penalties, to go free without payment.