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 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 One of the great mysteries of modern parenting is why so many parents have radically restricted their children’s freedom in the physical world while giving them free rein in the virtual one. Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024 But co-writing a novel really enabled him to give those impulses free rein. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 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 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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