give leeway
Grant some flexibility
To give leeway is to allow room for flexibility, error, or independent action.
The nautical term—the sideways drift of a ship—extends to any margin that accommodates variation: The deadline is firm, but I can give you some leeway on the format.
Parents give teenagers leeway; bosses give employees leeway on how to complete tasks.
- slackAbsence of tautness
- roomEnclosed interior area
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- wiggle roomFlexibility to adjust
- breathing roomSpace for relief
cut some slack · margin · latitude · allowance · make allowances · tolerance · ease up · ease off · loosen · bend · stretch · accommodate · let slide · overlook · look the other way · space · freedom · indulgence
give leewaymicromanage
Excessive oversight of subordinates
restrict · constrain · clamp down · breathe down someone's neck · dictate
give leewayhold someone's feet to the fire
Apply intense pressure for accountability
give, leeway, gives, gave, given, giving, giver, givers, forgive