give someone his or her head

Idioms and Phrases

Also, let someone have his or her head . Allow someone to proceed as he or she wishes, give someone freedom. For example, He usually gave his assistant his head when it came to scheduling appointments , or Sometimes it's wise for parents to let a teenager have his head . This expression alludes to loosening a horse's reins and letting it go where it wants to. [Second half of 1500s]