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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

He has a free hand in Iran and can move in any direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

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

The commission must approve exception appointments at the most senior grade, but below this level departments have a free hand to recruit.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

Mama’s got a full laundry basket tucked under one arm, but she reaches out with her free hand.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.