Free in general (2,5)
I believe the answer is:
at large
This clue is a double definition.
'free' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)
'in general' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
(Other definitions for at large that I've seen before include "Escaped; as a whole" , "Not confined, like escaped prisoner" , "generally" , "Free like escaped convict" , "On the loose, at liberty" .)