free hand
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Unrestricted authority or freedom to act: The condition of being allowed to make decisions and take actions without needing to seek permission or approval from others.
Usage
The phrase "a free hand" is used to describe a situation where someone is granted complete autonomy. It is almost always used with the verbs "give," "have," or "get." * The board gave the new CEO a free hand to restructure the company. * She has a free hand in designing the new marketing campaign. * He hopes to get a free hand in managing the project.
Examples
- The director was given a free hand in casting the actors for the film.
- To be creative, an artist often needs a free hand.
- Many analysts doubt the wisdom of giving the general a free hand to escalate the conflict.
Advanced Usage
- "Carte blanche" is a near-synonymous term borrowed from French, meaning "blank check," and implies even broader, often unlimited, discretionary power.
- The designer was given carte blanche to renovate the historic mansion.
Variants and Related Words
- Free rein (noun phrase): Similar meaning, emphasizing freedom of action without restraint. It originates from horsemanship, meaning to loosen the reins controlling a horse.
- The researcher was given free rein to pursue her theories.
Synonyms
- Discretion
- Autonomy
- Latitude
- License (to act)
Related Idioms
- To give someone their head: Similar to "free rein," this idiom also comes from horsemanship and means to allow someone complete freedom of action.
- Once we trusted her judgment, we gave her her head on the project.
Noun
- freedom to do as you see fit
- many have doubts about giving him a free hand to attack