Give somebody/get/have the run of something

phrase

To allow someone complete freedom in a place or situation.

When I was a child, my parents would give me the run of the house when they went out for the evening.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To allow someone complete freedom in a place or situation

Often appears as...

  • give the run of the house
  • have the run of the place

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To have unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation.

During summer break, the kids have the run of the backyard.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To have unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation

Often appears as...

  • have the run of the garden
  • get the run of the playground

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To be given unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation.

For the duration of my internship, I was given the run of the office.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To be given unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation

Often appears as...

  • get the run of the stadium
  • given the run of the library

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To allow someone complete freedom in a place or situation.

When I was a child, my parents would give me the run of the house when they went out for the evening.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To allow someone complete freedom in a place or situation

Often appears as...

  • give the run of the house
  • have the run of the place

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To have unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation.

During summer break, the kids have the run of the backyard.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To have unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation

Often appears as...

  • have the run of the garden
  • get the run of the playground

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To be given unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation.

For the duration of my internship, I was given the run of the office.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something" - To be given unrestricted access or freedom in a location or situation

Often appears as...

  • get the run of the stadium
  • given the run of the library

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "give somebody/get/have the run of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Granting Trust

This phrase often implies a level of trust in the person given freedom.

Illustration for Granting Trust
The librarian gave me the run of the place, knowing I'd handle the books with care.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't necessarily mean you can do anything; there are still unspoken rules.

Illustration for Not Literal
I was given the run of the house but understood not to enter the study.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Responsibility

With the freedom comes the expectation to respect and care for the place or situation.

Illustration for Responsibility
Having the run of the campsite, we ensured to leave it clean.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Granting Trust

This phrase often implies a level of trust in the person given freedom.

Illustration for Granting Trust
The librarian gave me the run of the place, knowing I'd handle the books with care.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't necessarily mean you can do anything; there are still unspoken rules.

Illustration for Not Literal
I was given the run of the house but understood not to enter the study.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Responsibility

With the freedom comes the expectation to respect and care for the place or situation.

Illustration for Responsibility
Having the run of the campsite, we ensured to leave it clean.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Granting Trust

This phrase often implies a level of trust in the person given freedom.

Illustration for Granting Trust
The librarian gave me the run of the place, knowing I'd handle the books with care.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't necessarily mean you can do anything; there are still unspoken rules.

Illustration for Not Literal
I was given the run of the house but understood not to enter the study.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Responsibility

With the freedom comes the expectation to respect and care for the place or situation.

Illustration for Responsibility
Having the run of the campsite, we ensured to leave it clean.
Visual representation of the word "Give somebody/get/have the run of something"

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