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Give somebody enough rope

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Metaphorical Use

Understand it's not about literal rope, but giving freedom to act until a mistake is made.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Playing coy, she gave him enough rope to see if he'd lie again.
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Expectation of Failure

It implies the belief that the person will fail when left to their own devices.

Illustration for Expectation of Failure
We watched, giving the new hire enough rope to hang himself.
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Strategy Implication

It's often used to describe a strategic decision to not intervene.

Illustration for Strategy Implication
The teacher gave the student enough rope to learn from his own mistakes.
Visual representation of the word "Give somebody enough rope"

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