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
Soda drinkers have been experimenting with mash-ups for decades — ever since fast-food restaurants moved soda machines out from behind the counter and gave customers free rein to mix their own drinks, Tofel said.
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Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for free rein
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Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for free rein
Cite this Entry
“Free rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20rein. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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