leeway

[lee-wey]

noun

1. extra time, space, materials, or the like, within which to operate; margin.

   With ten minutes' leeway we can catch the train.

2. a degree of freedom of action or thought.

   His instructions gave us plenty of leeway.

   Synonyms: cushion, flexibility, latitude

3. Also called sag. Nautical.,  the amount or angle of the drift of a ship to leeward from its heading.

4. Aeronautics.,  the amount a plane is blown off its normal course by cross winds.

leeway

/ ˈliːˌweɪ /

noun

1. room for free movement within limits, as in action or expenditure

2. sideways drift of a boat or aircraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of leeway¹

First recorded in 1660–70; lee + way ¹

Example Sentences

“I think the government should give us the leeway to educate ourselves,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It has afforded them leeway to manage players’ regular-season workloads and recovery from injuries with an eye toward having them at full strength come the fall.

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The challenge for investors is figuring out how much leeway to give businesses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There is a lot more leeway to secure a play-off place, which goes to the sides who finish between ninth and 24th.

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In other words, this was the leeway between meeting and not meeting her rules.

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