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free rein vs free reign

The correct phrase is 'free rein'. 'Free rein' is a common idiom that means to have unrestricted freedom or control. On the other hand, 'free reign' is a common mistake, as 'rein' refers to the straps used to control a horse, while 'reign' refers to a period of rule or dominance.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 689 views

free rein

Correct. 'Free rein' is a common idiom that means to have unrestricted freedom or control.

'Free rein' is used to indicate giving someone or something unrestricted freedom or control.

Examples:

  • She was given free rein to decorate the house as she pleased.
  • The manager gave the team free rein to come up with new ideas.
  • Certainly, this agreement must not give the authorities free rein.
  • Mr President, the French Socialists refuse to grant a free rein to Jacques Santer's Commission.
  • We should not give these states a free rein.
  • Terrorism must not be given free rein within the EU and, on that question, we all of course have a responsibility.
  • I'll give them free rein.
  • The financial sector's inexcusable recklessness, given free rein by mindless deregulation, was the obvious precipitating factor of the crisis.
  • The question that Commissioner Lamy asked us was whether we would give him free rein to enter into the negotiations with the package as he proposed it.
  • Nonetheless, they continue to have free rein, and their actions are extremely damaging, especially for countries with weaker economies.
  • Abandonment in Britain of government control has allowed free rein to an industry responsible for contaminating massive swathes of its own country's dairy and beef herds.
  • Well, Jessica may give you free rein to do that, but I can't imagine Hardman will.
  • And as usual, they gave the Office free rein to address the problem.
  • If I take down Dickie, you and Boyd can have free rein over all of Harlan county.
  • Finally, Amendment No 15 gives the Commission free rein in determining the rules governing the languages used by the Agency, about which we are very concerned.
  • But we must also make it very clear that if we support this measure here today, we are not giving the Commission or the Council a free rein.
  • She gave the CIA free rein at your company, and then she held back your laptop from them.
  • The crime families have had too much free rein since the Jedi have been distracted by the clone war.
  • I know you technically have free rein over this place, but believe me when I tell you, you do not want to mess with me, not today.
  • Our aim must be to protect consumers and safeguard the environment, and not to give free rein to the biocide industry.
  • We are giving free rein to the Court of Justice, which is the inventor of this concept in its judgments in the 'Cassis de Dijon' and 'Säger' cases.
  • I give you free rein, only get him!

Alternatives:

  • unrestricted freedom
  • unlimited control
  • complete freedom
  • full autonomy
  • total control

free reign

Incorrect. 'Free reign' is a common mistake. The correct term is 'free rein'.

  • The scum had free reign, and we got pummeled.
  • The library gave me free reign to pull out any books that haven't been checked out in five years.
  • He had free reign Over the entire park.
  • And at nighttime, they have free reign.
  • Given free reign, I'd be unstoppable.
  • You can free reign of all these halls, Doc.
  • Great, now you have free reign.
  • Do we have free reign to design animals?
  • With my dad out of the picture, you finally have free reign in Vegas.
  • I mean, he said that we would get free reign.
  • Do we really got free reign to take over any investigation in the city?
  • You know, just 'cause I helped you bring him here doesn't mean I'm giving you free reign.
  • They've given you free reign?
  • Ask the Ministry for free reign.
  • He had free reign over the entire park.
  • Witches have free reign on the other side.
  • I was quite clear, you get free reign of my institution, I get some answers.
  • I don't want the narcos having free reign.
  • Satan and his fallen angels were thrown out of heaven and they have free reign on Earth to take the sinners to hell.
  • So we had free reign of this for a while.

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