It can mean freedom to the OAPs (4)

I believe the answer is:

pass

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'it can mean freedom to the oaps' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it can' is the wordplay.
'it' becomes 'p' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'can' becomes 'ass' (synonyms).
'p'+'ass'='PASS'

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(Other definitions for pass that I've seen before include "Amorous advance" , "Narrow route through high mountain, like the Khyber" , "pointless bid" , "what the Galibier is" , "Mountain defile" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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