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

However, that movie opened around Christmas and had virtually free rein on the big screen through January and February. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 July 2026

At the 2004 Tour, Prudhomme rode in a blue ASO car, with a free rein. — Andy McGrath, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Unlike those of us who grew up in the ‘80s, kids now are unlikely to be granted free rein of the neighborhood from dawn until dusk—and that’s where screens can be the downfall of an unscheduled summer. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 June 2026

Its wire-free design also gives you free rein to clean all over the house without being tethered to an outlet. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free rein

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign