The hidden cost of saying "scotch free"

What kind of error is it?

Common language mistake or malapropism.

Why do people make this mistake?

People often make this error because "scotch" sounds similar to the correct word "scot". Over time, the term "scot-free" has fallen out of common usage, leading to a loss of understanding of its meaning and origins. As a result, some people substitute "scotch," a more familiar term, when trying to use the expression.

What is correct?

The correct phrase is "scot-free," which means to escape a situation without harm or penalty. "Scot" in this context refers to an old term for a type of tax or payment, so "scot-free" means free of payment or penalty.