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Definitions

free hand

NOUN
freedom to act and make decisions
Synonyms
WEAK
carte blanche free choice free course free play free scope free will freedom full scope independence latitude leeway liberty one's choice one's discretion one's initiative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"So I tried to take a pretty free hand with it and kind of plow my own furrow."

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

A new chairman is imposed on a department with a free hand to make whatever appointments he thinks necessary to restore the department to health.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

In the prior regime, Sheridan had been given a free hand creatively and on spending, which Ellison and his new executive team had reportedly signaled might not continue in the same way.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

Last month the transport committee of the European parliament voted to give passengers the right to an extra piece of free hand luggage weighing up to 7kg.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025

He plucks out a blade of grass with his free hand and spins it between the pads of his thumb and index finger.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison