freehand
drawn or executed by hand without guiding instruments, measurements, or other aids: a freehand map.
in a freehand manner: to draw freehand.
Origin of freehand
1Other definitions for free hand (2 of 2)
unrestricted freedom or authority: They gave the decorator a free hand.
Origin of free hand
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use freehand in a sentence
Will the network give Colbert a creative free hand, or will Colbert become safer, more vanilla, neutralized?
Bush had six years of a Republican Congress and a free hand after the 9/11 attacks.
The End of Republicans and Democrats (And Your Libertarian Future) | Nick Gillespie | February 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe deal with the Iranian government will give them a free hand to repress activists and keep political prisoners behind bars.
How America’s Nuclear Deal Sold Out Iran’s Liberals | David Keyes & Ahmad Batebi | December 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAt one point someone with a free hand was nice enough to use a rag to wipe the sweat off my face.
Egypt’s Government Thugs Beat Me Up at the Rabaa Sit-In | Mike Giglio | August 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTMarina signed a release giving McMillan a free hand to write whatever she wanted.
It is by my order that the Turks are being left a free hand to carry out this pious duty.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonShe sobbed; he lifted her chin with his free hand—and what less could mortal apostle do?
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol | William J. LockeShe put her free hand up to his shoulder, and then against his cheek, rubbing it softly.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate ChopinHis free hand closed over hers, but she snatched her own away with indignation that ended in a chuckle.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle | Laura Lee HopeThen with a swift action of the free hand she locked the desk and put the key in her pocket.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert Parker
British Dictionary definitions for free hand
unrestricted freedom to act (esp in the phrase give (someone) a free hand)
(done) by hand without the use of guiding instruments: a freehand drawing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with freehand
Also, free rein. Freedom to do or decide as one sees fit. For example, The teacher gave her assistant a free hand with the class, or They gave me free rein to reorganize the department. The first expression dates from the late 1800s, the second from the mid-1900s.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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