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.
Ferrell, too, had his own anxieties about the intimately personal movie: Steele gives him free rein to ask her anything about life as a trans woman, her decades spent in the closet, and her struggles with self-hatred and insecurity. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 For the most part, the structure is generally open, giving players free rein to venture through Hyrule. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 Allen and Unger have worked with a few organizations that had no ERG policies or executive sponsors and gave ERGs free rein. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 That move that would oust current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel from the agency before the end of his term and give the Trump administration free rein to undo Democratic changes. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 11 Dec. 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 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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