Crossword Genius

Possible secret of not having to pay (4-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scot-free

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not having to pay' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'possible secret of' is the wordplay.
'secret of' can be anagrammed to 'SCOT-FREE'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scot-free that I've seen before include "Unharmed, not punished like kilted gent" , "Entirely without penalty or injury" , "Without loss or penalty" , "Unharmed, not punished - like Angus at liberty?" , "Completely without penalty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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