free rein

free rein
a) loose rein, as of a horse

she should simply hold the reins so lightly that his mouth can just be felt, which is called "giving a free rein."

b) the absence of constraints; freedom to make decisions

So ceased the seas uproar, when its grave SireLooked oer th expanse, and, riding on in light,Flung free rein to his winged obedient car.

See Also: rein in, free hand, draw rein

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  • free rein — ► the freedom to do what you want to do: have free rein »We were told we had free rein on questions of design. give sb/sth free rein (to do sth) »She was given free rein to make all the changes she wanted. Main Entry: ↑rein …   Financial and business terms

  • free rein — If someone has a free rein, they have the authority to make the decisions they want without any restrictions. ( Free reign is a common mistake.) …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • free rein — meaning ‘unrestricted scope for action’, is spelt this way, not free reign (as if it were connected with reign in the sense ‘rule’). The following examples should be corrected accordingly: • ☒ If they are given free reign to invest and produce… …   Modern English usage

  • free rein — noun uncount permission to deal with a particular situation or do a particular job in the way you think is best …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • free rein — free′ rein′ n. cvb unhampered freedom of movement, choice, or action …   From formal English to slang

  • free rein — noun the removal of constraints (Freq. 1) he gave free rein to his impulses they gave full play to the artist s talent • Syn: ↑play • Hypernyms: ↑freedom * * * FREEDOM, a free hand, leeway, latitude, flexibility, liberty, independence, free play …   Useful english dictionary

  • free rein — {n.} Freedom to do what you want. * /The king had free rein in his country./ * /Father is strict with the children, but Mother gives them free rein./ Compare: FREE HAND …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • free rein — {n.} Freedom to do what you want. * /The king had free rein in his country./ * /Father is strict with the children, but Mother gives them free rein./ Compare: FREE HAND …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • free\ rein — noun Freedom to do what you want. The king had free rein in his country. Father is strict with the children, but Mother gives them free rein. Compare: free hand …   Словарь американских идиом

  • free rein — the sponsors gave the writers free rein Syn: freedom, a free hand, leeway, latitude, flexibility, liberty, independence, free play, license, room to maneuver, carte blanche, a blank check See note at reign …   Thesaurus of popular words

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