# free hand

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/free-hand
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of free rein.

## Examples

- My boss gave me a free hand with this project.
- The director gave the designer a free hand to decorate the new office however she wanted.
- By granting the architect a free hand, the committee allowed him to transform the historic building into a modern masterpiece.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.