A piede libero
At free foot
This idiom means “at large” or “free,” referring to someone who is not in custody or confinement. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a person who is not detained or imprisoned but is still under investigation or awaiting trial. The phrase’s origins can be traced back to the idea of being free to move about on one’s own feet without restrictions.
Exemples:
- L’imputato è ancora a piede libero in attesa del processo. – The defendant is still at large awaiting trial.
- Dopo l’interrogatorio, il sospettato è stato rilasciato a piede libero. – After the interrogation, the suspect was released at large.
- Il criminale è riuscito a scappare ed è ora a piede libero. – The criminal managed to escape and is now at large.