exoneration

come out smelling like a rose To escape the negative consequences of one’s own actions; to emerge in a positive light, or at least unscathed, after having been embroiled in an unpleasant controversy. The expression usually implies that others are suffering the censure or opprobrium properly due the “innocent” one who “smells like a rose.” Despite the phrase’s implied vulgar origins, it is now commonly considered inoffensive and frequently appears in a variety of informal contexts.

get off scot-free To escape deserved punishment; to be excused from paying the appropriate fine or penalty; to be released without castigation or just punishment. This expression originated from scot and lot tax allotment,’ which was formerly levied on all English subjects according to their ability to pay. Hence, a person who went scot-free was not required to pay the proper tribute. This expression now implies the legal but morally wrong release of someone from a deserved admonishment or penalty.