free rein

noun

: unrestricted liberty of action or decision
The studio gave the director free rein over the movie.

Examples of free rein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some give students and teachers free rein, while others block it entirely. Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026 The plaintiffs accuse the church of negligence in allowing the coach free rein to abuse children. Luke Cyphers, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2026 Although the White House appears to be giving Kennedy free rein, Congress owes him no such privilege. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026 This year’s team, under new manager Martino, seems like it will be built around Almirón, based on what Martino has implied, saying Almirón will be given free rein to find the ball. Doug Roberson, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free rein

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free rein was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Free rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20rein. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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