a free hand
noun
: the freedom to do things and make decisions without being controlled by another
Her father gave her a free hand in running the family business.
Examples of a free hand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But over all, historically, America has given Israel quite a free hand vis-à-vis the Palestinians.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Instead, successive administrations have essentially given the Jewish state a free hand to expand its settlements in the West Bank, which are aimed at preventing a future Palestinian country from emerging and have been Israel’s key national project since 1967.
—Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025
Israel should be given a free hand to finish off Hamas, without pressure to agree to a cease-fire, and the U.S. should not resuscitate Obama’s disastrous nuclear deal.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 May 2025
That has amounted to something of a free hand for Mr. Netanyahu, who appears prepared to use it.
—Michael Crowley, New York Times, 6 May 2025
The states need a free hand to decide on their own which laws, regulations, and rules are appropriate for their markets.
—Ed Hirs, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Entering Thursday night, the Chiefs certainly had done enough replenishing and spackling of their roster through free agency to be able to operate with a free hand in the 2025 NFL Draft.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2025
The Cleaner Economy Coalition is a 501(c)(4) — a nonprofit class with a free hand to make lobbying and advocacy its main focus.
—Ben Geman, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
His decision appalled the left, who see backing the bill as tantamount to offering a free hand to Trump and his deeply controversial ally Elon Musk.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
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.
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Instead, successive administrations have essentially given the Jewish state a free hand to expand its settlements in the West Bank, which are aimed at preventing a future Palestinian country from emerging and have been Israel’s key national project since 1967.
—Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025
Israel should be given a free hand to finish off Hamas, without pressure to agree to a cease-fire, and the U.S. should not resuscitate Obama’s disastrous nuclear deal.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 May 2025
That has amounted to something of a free hand for Mr. Netanyahu, who appears prepared to use it.
—Michael Crowley, New York Times, 6 May 2025
The states need a free hand to decide on their own which laws, regulations, and rules are appropriate for their markets.
—Ed Hirs, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Entering Thursday night, the Chiefs certainly had done enough replenishing and spackling of their roster through free agency to be able to operate with a free hand in the 2025 NFL Draft.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2025
The Cleaner Economy Coalition is a 501(c)(4) — a nonprofit class with a free hand to make lobbying and advocacy its main focus.
—Ben Geman, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
His decision appalled the left, who see backing the bill as tantamount to offering a free hand to Trump and his deeply controversial ally Elon Musk.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“A free hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20free%20hand. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share