Definition of Free rein

1. Noun. The removal of constraints. "They gave full play to the artist's talent"

Exact synonyms: Play
Generic synonyms: Freedom

Definition of Free rein

1. Noun. loose rein, as of a horse ¹

2. Noun. (idiomatic) the absence of constraints; freedom to make decisions ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Free Rein

free pardon
free people
free phagocyte
free port
free press
free product
free products
free radical
free radical reductase
free radical scavengers
free radicals
free reed
free reign
free rein
free ride
free rider
free runner
free runners
free running
free sheet
free sheets
free software
free space
free speech
free spirit
free spirits
free state
free states

Literary usage of Free rein

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the by Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne (1913)
"... in the hope of securing for himself an undivided authority and a free rein for his profligacy. The patriarch indignantly refused to be a party to such ..."

2. The Æneid of Virgil by Virgil (1910)
"... riding on in light, Flung free rein to his winged obedient car. ^Eneas' wave-worn crew now landward made, And took the nearest passage, whither lay The ..."

3. The Rebellion of 1815, Generally Known as Slachters Nek: A Complete by H. C. V. Leibbrandt (1902)
"... and could thus easily have been seduced to set themselves against everything that might stand in the way of giving a free rein to their passions. ..."

4. The Story of Two Wars: An Illustrated History of Our War with Spain and Our by Henry Benajah Russell, Redfield Proctor (1899)
"Otis Given a free rein—Petty Warfare of the Natives—Small Villages Burned — Attempts to Cripple Manila Water Works — Nebraska and Colorado Troops in a Short ..."

5. America's Coming-of-age by Van Wyck Brooks (1915)
"... and if the only way in which the millionaire can get his ideas expressed is by giving free rein to the ideas of the superintendent (who, in turn, ..."

6. The American Horsewoman by Elizabeth Platt Karr (1884)
"... which is called "giving a free rein." If the reins be allowed to hang too loosely they may catch upon some object not noticed by the rider, ..."

7. Horizons: A Book of Criticism by Francis Hackett (1918)
"Nor did he propose to give free rein to his beloved country, leaving it to its dear devices, the way New Englanders gave free rein to their indulged New ..."

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