free rein

noun

: unrestricted liberty of action or decision

Examples of free rein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The special, in which hecklers are given free rein to interrupt the show, is the 39-year-old’s attempt to explore his prickly relationship with his audience once and for all. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024 That person who is just dedicating their entire life to getting rich and changing the world, they should be given free rein to do that. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024 The architects were given free rein when renovating this little belvedere, a satellite of a triplex that the studio had designed nearby. Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024 Goldstein was given free rein to extrapolate material from Joan’s books, documentaries, stand-up sets and joke catalogs, even if it was never performed. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for free rein 

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free rein was in 1635

Dictionary Entries Near free rein

Cite this Entry

“Free rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20rein. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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