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free ride

[/friː raɪd/]
nounpl: free rides
carona gratuita / vantagem sem esforço
1. A ride or transportation provided without charge or payment
He got a free ride to the airport from his friend.
Ele pegou uma carona gratuita para o aeroporto com seu amigo.
2. An advantage or benefit obtained without effort or payment, especially at others' expense
She doesn't want to give him a free ride; he should contribute to the project.
Ela não quer dar uma vantagem sem esforço a ele; ele deveria contribuir para o projeto.
3. To take advantage of someone's generosity or work without reciprocating
Don't let him take a free ride on your hard work.
Não deixe ele aproveitar seu trabalho duro sem fazer nada.
NYC Slang
five-finger discount (when referring to taking without paying); mooch (when describing the person)
Synonyms
freebiehandouteasy advantagewindfall
Antonyms
paymentearned benefitreciprocal exchange

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
carona gratuita / carona de graça
Most common usage for literal transportation
General Brazilian
vantagem sem esforço / vantagem indevida
Used for figurative meaning of unearned advantage
Portugal
boleia gratuita / boleia de graça
Portuguese uses 'boleia' instead of 'carona' for ride/lift
General
aproveitar-se / viver às custas de alguém
Used when describing someone taking a free ride at others' expense

Related Idioms & Phrases

take a free ride
give someone a free ride
no free rides
nothing in life is free
ride on someone's coattails
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