free rein

American  

noun

1. unhampered freedom of movement, choice, or action.

   Students have free rein to choose their own class schedules.

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free rein Idioms  

1. see free hand.

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Etymology

Origin of free rein

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Born in 1827, Stanley was the eldest of 10 children given free rein to develop their own thoughts and beliefs.

From BBC

“Policy permanency is a more effective driver of long-term economic growth, but we’ll see. She is a political rock star in Japan and will have free rein for now.”

From Barron's

But a bigger majority in parliament could give her coalition free rein for expansionary fiscal policy.

From Barron's

Such an agreement would largely give the U.S. free rein over military operations in the territory in exchange for free trade, protection and the provision of basic services.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I got free rein on the internet basically. So I think that for me, the damage has already been done."

From BBC