free hand

noun

1. unrestricted freedom or authority:

   They gave the decorator a free hand.

free hand

noun

1. unrestricted freedom to act (esp in the phrase give ( someone ) a free hand )

adjective

1. (done) by hand without the use of guiding instruments

   a freehand drawing

Word History and Origins

Origin of free hand¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Will the network give Colbert a creative free hand, or will Colbert become safer, more vanilla, neutralized?

From The Daily Beast

Bush had six years of a Republican Congress and a free hand after the 9/11 attacks.

From The Daily Beast

The deal with the Iranian government will give them a free hand to repress activists and keep political prisoners behind bars.

From The Daily Beast

At one point someone with a free hand was nice enough to use a rag to wipe the sweat off my face.

From The Daily Beast

Marina signed a release giving McMillan a free hand to write whatever she wanted.

From The Daily Beast

It is by my order that the Turks are being left a free hand to carry out this pious duty.

From Project Gutenberg

She sobbed; he lifted her chin with his free hand—and what less could mortal apostle do?

From Project Gutenberg

She put her free hand up to his shoulder, and then against his cheek, rubbing it softly.

From Project Gutenberg

His free hand closed over hers, but she snatched her own away with indignation that ended in a chuckle.

From Project Gutenberg

Then with a swift action of the free hand she locked the desk and put the key in her pocket.

From Project Gutenberg