give someone their head
To allow (someone) to act without constraint: to give (someone) free rein.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Derived from the terminology of the stable, the expression refers to a rider relaxing the reins to allow a horse complete freedom of movement. By ceasing to restrain the animal's head, the rider permits it to set its own pace and direction, a transfer of control from the human to the beast that was later applied to general human conduct.
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as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
- 03
bang some heads together
Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.
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bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.
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beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
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big head
An inflated ego, an exaggerated belief in one's own importance.
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bite someone's head off
To severely berate someone.
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bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
Last updated August 10, 2026