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

In portraying Jesus, Mary and Joseph with patchwork cloth lacking facial features, artist Victoria-Maria Geyer said she hoped to craft an inclusive version of the Christmas tradition which left "free rein for everyone's imagination".

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

All in all, it seemed to Penelope that a modest amount of optimism could safely be given free rein.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood