" In other words, I'd say: "I would like to eliminate that tick that's been biting me all day." I would not say: "I have to be free from that tick." And that's why I'd use "rid of" with a cold, rather than "free" (it does not matter no matter https://governmentgrantinsulation.blogspot.com/2024/08/how-can-pensioners-be-benefited-from.html