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 • 712 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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'.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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free rein vs free reign

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