In the following question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "scotfree".

Introduction / Context:
Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the individual words. The idiom "scotfree" (often written as "scot free") appears frequently in news, crime reports and everyday conversation. Understanding such idioms is essential for accurate reading comprehension and for expressing yourself naturally in English. In this question, you must choose the option that best captures the meaning of "scotfree" in typical usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "scotfree" or "scot free".
• Options: escape from captivity, be free of all responsibilities, get something unexpected, without suffering any punishment or injury, move secretly at night.
• We assume the idiom is used in common sentences like "He got off scotfree".
• The focus is usually on legal or moral consequences of an action.

Concept / Approach:
In modern English, "to go scotfree" or "to get off scotfree" means to escape the usual punishment, penalty or harm that one might expect, especially after doing something wrong or risky. The idiom does not simply mean escaping physically from a place, nor does it refer to general freedom from responsibilities. It specifically emphasises the absence of punishment or injury when such consequences were likely or deserved. Therefore, among the options, the meaning "without suffering any punishment or injury" fits the idiom best.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical usage: "Despite clear evidence against him, he got off scotfree." This clearly refers to avoidance of punishment rather than literal escape from a prison cell.Step 2: Examine option D: "Without suffering any punishment or injury." This matches the idea that someone has avoided consequences.Step 3: Examine option A: "To escape from captivity." While someone who goes scotfree may no longer be detained, the idiom focuses on the lack of punishment, not on physical escape.Step 4: Examine option B: "Be free of all responsibilities." This would apply more to phrases like "free of obligations" and does not capture the idea of avoiding penalties for previous actions.Step 5: Examine option C: "To get something unexpected." This is unrelated to punishment or justice.Step 6: Examine option E: "To move secretly at night." This might describe sneaking away but is not the meaning of "scotfree". Thus, option D is the accurate explanation of the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider several example sentences: "The thieves escaped scotfree", "The company caused pollution but went scotfree because of legal loopholes." In each case, the emphasis is on not being punished or harmed despite wrongdoing or risk. If we tried substituting option A ("escape from captivity") in place of "scotfree", it would not always make sense, especially in non physical contexts such as corporate wrongdoing. Reference books on idioms and phrasal expressions define "scotfree" as "without paying the usual penalty" or "without harm", confirming that option D is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• To escape from captivity: Too narrow and literal; the idiom is about punishment and consequence, not just physical confinement.
• Be free of all responsibilities: Does not convey the idea of avoiding punishment after some action.
• To get something unexpected: Refers to surprise, not justice or consequence.
• To move secretly at night: Completely unrelated to the idiom; sounds more like "to sneak out".

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse "scotfree" with any form of escape, assuming that it must involve physically running away. Others might generalise it as simply being free. To avoid these mistakes, remember that idioms are best learned with typical example sentences and contexts. "Scotfree" frequently appears in legal or moral discussions where someone avoids being punished or harmed. Keeping this association in mind will help you select the right meaning during exams.

Final Answer:
The idiom "scotfree" means without suffering any punishment or injury.