free reign
Total decision power
Free reign is a common reshaping of free rein, which refers to loosening a horse's reins to allow it freedom of movement.
The phrase means unrestricted liberty to act: She was given free reign over the project.
The spelling with reign (as in a monarch's rule) has become widespread, though traditionalists consider it an error.
Both forms convey the same meaning of unchecked authority or freedom.
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- libertyAbsence of unjust constraint
- no strings attachedWithout obligations or conditions
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- wide berthIntentional space for avoidance
reins · flexibility · loose leash · autonomy · carte blanche · sovereignty · emancipation · bridle · authority · choice · agency · harness · blank cheque · privilege · artistry · control · empowerment · governance
- independenceliberty, Independence Day, autonomy, sovereignty, self-reliance
- word errorseggcorn, malapropism, could of, would of, for all intensive purposes
free reignmicromanagement
Excessive supervisory control
iron grip · lockdown · controlled environment · close supervision · heavy hand
free, reign, freed, freely, freedom, freeing, freer, freest, unfree