ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give someone their head

idiom
Meaning

To allow (someone) to act without constraint: to give (someone) free rein.


Origin

disputed origin

From horse racing: to allow a horse freedom of movement of its head.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    bang one's head against a brick wall

    To waste effort on a futile project.

  3. 03

    bang some heads together

    Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.

  4. 04

    bash someone's head

    To beat up someone violently.

  5. 05

    beat someone round the ears

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

  6. 06

    big head

    An inflated ego, an exaggerated belief in one's own importance.

  7. 07

    bite someone's head off

    To severely berate someone.

  8. 08

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

Last updated April 17, 2026