1(in limited-overs cricket) an opportunity to strike the ball without the possibility of being bowled or caught out, following a no-ball.

1. 1.1 (in field hockey) a penalty hit awarded for a foul committed outside the goal area.
   a quickly taken free hit by the home team was excellently converted

   Example sentencesExamples

   • A Lauren Grant free hit found Sophie Worsman on the post to deflect in for the first goal.
   • He was flawless in the execution of free hits which were angled perfectly to create the opening for the attack.
   • Roberts-Lang scored New Zealand's third goal when a free hit rebounded from a goalpost to her.
   • Superb defending of free hits and interception of passes in midfield had the Naas ladies on the attack for most of the game.
   • With continued pressure, Daten soon secured a free hit outside the area which was swiftly taken by centre half Helen Moffat.
2. 1.2British An easy opportunity to gain an advantage over a rival or opponent.
   the Government's intervention also allowed a free hit for the Conservatives

   Example sentencesExamples

   • People do know in the European Parliament elections they can have a free hit - a vote that doesn't have the consequence of bringing in the wrong government.
   • But a protest vote tomorrow will be no free hit.
   • The Labour Party conference, when managed with the presentational skills of New Labour, provides a series of free hits for the party.
   • The more switched on and capable schools thus regard these AS-levels as a "free hit" - a relatively easy way of boosting a pupil's qualifications.
   • MPs were using parliamentary privilege for a free hit on opponents.
   • General elections aren't a free hit, they have real consequences on who is governing your country for the next five years.
   • The Government has now decided to take free hits at the ACT party.
   • A party figure admitted the referendum looked difficult to win, with the general election results suggesting a willingness to take a free hit against an incumbent government.
   • By protecting his sources he is just giving the left and the media free hits.
   • These mid term elections are regarded by many voters as a free hit which allows them to punish a governing party without driving it out of power nationally.