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

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

Sephora gave shoppers free rein to schmear on lipstick and play with eye shadow.

From The Wall Street Journal

In portraying Jesus, Mary and Joseph with patchwork cloth lacking facial features, artist Victoria-Maria Geyer said she hoped to craft an inclusive version of the Christmas tradition which left "free rein for everyone's imagination".

From Barron's

Bulgaria has given free rein to administrator Spetsov to sell the refinery with the government's consent.

From Barron's