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

"I got free rein on the internet basically. So I think that for me, the damage has already been done."

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

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

That year, Robben Island’s commanding officer was Colonel Van Aarde, a rather amiable, harmless fellow who allowed us free rein.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela