noun
Historical Christian term for the remission of temporal punishment for sins, especially in the Catholic Church. Also used in discussions of the Reformation.
中世ヨーロッパでは、教会が免罪符を販売していた。
In medieval Europe, the Church sold indulgences.
ルターは免罪
Luther criticized the abuse of indulgences.
noun
excuse; justification; rationalization
Figurative use: something that provides a convenient excuse or justification for questionable behavior, as if it were a pardon.
彼は環境保護を免罪符にして、自分のビジネスを正当化している。
He uses environmental protection as a justification for his business.
「忙しい」は何もしない免罪符にはならない。
Being busy is not an excuse for doing nothing.
noun
making amends; atonement
Colloquial use: doing something good to make up for a previous misdeed, as if buying forgiveness.
彼は浮気の免罪符に高価なプレゼントを買った。
He bought an expensive gift as a way to make amends for his affair.
A general excuse or apology; 免罪符 implies a more self-serving justification that absolves guilt.
Compound of 免罪 (remission of sin) and 符 (certificate, talisman). Originally referred to the physical certificate of indulgence in the Catholic Church, later extended metaphorically to any excuse or act of atonement.