free rein

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“One of the things I knew going into the project is that we weren’t going to have free rein access to them at every minute, every second of their time in Los Angeles,” he said.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

A superintendent assigned to the case gives George free rein to pursue his theories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Born in 1827, Stanley was the eldest of 10 children given free rein to develop their own thoughts and beliefs.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Paramount, which owns the franchise, gave them free rein with the material so there was no beat-by-beat reconstruction of one of the seven films.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

Mr. Peale had given him a free rein to wander and enjoy himself after being cooped up in the house.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson