When we are told we have free rein to do something or to make decisions, we’re being given permission to act freely — to do, say, or feel what we want with no restrictions. The expression “free rein” has been in use for centuries and comes from a time when horses were the primary mode of transportation. Horsemanship-related metaphors were easily understood back then, but many phrases from the equestrian world remain even in the modern parlance, including “ride roughshod,” “champing at the bit,” and “red herring.”
“Free rein,” in its literal sense, refers to the equestrian act of holding a horse’s reins loosely. When a rider holds the reins tightly, they maintain strict control over a horse’s speed and course. Conversely, loosening the grip — giving the horse free rein — allows the mount to choose its own path without constant guidance or interference.
The metaphorical “free rein” has been in use for well over 300 years. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an early written appearance (in plural form but with the same meaning) comes from William Habington’s Historie of Edward IV from 1640: “He gave free reines to his injurious ambition.” It’s easy to see why the metaphor caught on, as it neatly depicts a specific type of interaction. For example, when a manager gives an employee free rein on a project, they’re implying that they’re stepping back and allowing the employee to make independent decisions. Or when brave parents decide to give their teenagers free rein, they’re loosening control and giving their children a greater degree of autonomy.
And if you thought it was “free reign” rather than “free rein,” don’t worry — you’re not alone. Lexicographers from Oxford University Press, using the 2 billion-word Oxford English Corpus, found that contemporary writers use the erroneous “free reign” as much as 46% of the time. The mistake is understandable, as both words sound the same. “Free reign” also seems somewhat logical, as a king or queen does normally have the ability to reign freely. It is, however, incorrect. When you give someone free rein, you’re loosening the straps of control, not handing them a crown — when used correctly, the phrase should evoke horses, not royalty.
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