free rein
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Noun
- loose rein, as of a horse
- 1884, Elizabeth Platt Karr, "The American Horsewoman", page 256,
- she should simply hold the reins so lightly that his mouth can just be felt, which is called "giving a free rein."
- 1910, Virgil (translated into English by Theodore C. Williams), page 8,
- So ceased the sea's uproar, when its grave Sire
Looked o'er th' expanse, and, riding on in light,
Flung free rein to his winged obedient car.
- So ceased the sea's uproar, when its grave Sire
- 1884, Elizabeth Platt Karr, "The American Horsewoman", page 256,
- (idiomatic) the absence of constraints; freedom to make decisions
- 1913, Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne, "The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the Constitution, Doctrine, Discipline, and History of the Catholic Church", page 647,
- securing for himself an undivided authority and a free rein for his profligacy.
- 1913, Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne, "The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the Constitution, Doctrine, Discipline, and History of the Catholic Church", page 647,
[edit] Usage notes
Those who have free rein by virtue of being in a position of authority also have free reign (an eggcorn).
[edit] Derived terms
- free reign (proscribed)
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
the absence of constraints
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[edit] References
- Are We Giving Free Rei(g)n to New Spelling, October 18th, 2007, Ben Zimmer, OUPblog
- Free Rein or Free Reign?
- National Dictionary Day: Do you spell “free reign” with a G?, 10/16/2007, ABC News
