This "free hit" was more prevalent in years gone past when we were bottom feeders and you're right we shouldn't be seeing any game as a free hit.
You only need to look at the Rangers game recently where the same term was used.
I'm not fooling myself this is an easy task as Celtic, especially at home, are a tough nut to crack but it's fitba and you'll not get anything if you don't BELIEVE you can get something.