ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give someone enough rope

idiom
Meaning

To allow one to function unhindered, or without further overbearing oversight.


Examples
SIMPLE

Give him enough rope and he will eventually show his true colors.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager decided to give the new employee enough rope to see if he could handle the project independently.

COMPLEX

By giving the corrupt official enough rope, the investigators ensured he would inadvertently reveal the full extent of his illicit activities.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  8. 08

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

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