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.
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 While Venezuelans live with a deeply uncertain future, the seizure of Maduro caps a year of Trump demonstrating ever more brazenly his belief that Washington must have free rein in the Western Hemisphere. Comfort Ero, Time, 9 Jan. 2026 And even on teams where players are given free rein, some still choose to dress up. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 The free rein was really enjoyable. Celia Fernandez raffi Paul, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025 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 17 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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