Get, have, etc. a free hand
phrase
Having full freedom or power to act according to one's own judgment or discretion.
The boss often travels abroad for meetings, so managers have a free hand to run things as they see fit.
Often appears as...
- have a free hand in
- have a free hand to
phrase
To have permission to make one's own decisions or plans.
As the director of this play, you get a free hand in choosing the cast and crew.
Often appears as...
- get a free hand in
- get a free hand to
phrase
Having full freedom or power to act according to one's own judgment or discretion.
The boss often travels abroad for meetings, so managers have a free hand to run things as they see fit.
Often appears as...
- have a free hand in
- have a free hand to
phrase
To have permission to make one's own decisions or plans.
As the director of this play, you get a free hand in choosing the cast and crew.
Often appears as...
- get a free hand in
- get a free hand to
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Decision Autonomy
Indicates complete control over choices without needing others' approval.
With a free hand in marketing, she redesigned the campaign.
Pro Tip 2/3Responsibility Weight
Having a free hand also implies responsibility for the decisions made.
He had a free hand in hiring and thus took the blame for any bad hires.
Pro Tip 3/3Trust Implied
Being given a free hand often means higher-ups trust your judgment.
Trusted with a free hand, she negotiated all the contracts.
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