free hand: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘free hand’ mean?
The idiom "free hand" means having the ability or authority to do something without any restrictions or control from others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let loose" means to allow someone or something to be free or unleashed. It can also mean to relax, have fun, or engage in uninhibited behavior. This expression is often used to describe a release of emotion or energy.
Let loose is an idiom that has been widely used in the English language. Here are the facts about this idiom:
The idiom "let fly" means to release or throw something forcefully or with great speed. It can also refer to speaking or expressing oneself freely and without restraint.
Let fly is used in informal situations, it has been in use for several centuries and is still commonly used in modern-day conversations.
The idiom "let drive" means to give someone free rein to do something or to allow them to act with full force or intensity.
The idiom "leave someone to their own devices" means to allow someone to do something in their own way, without interference or help from others.
The idiom "know no bounds" means that something or someone is limitless or knows no limits or boundaries. It implies that there are no restrictions or constraints on their actions or potential.
The idiom "hold the reins" means to have control or be in charge of a situation or group of people.
The idiom "hold the reins" has its origins in horseback riding and refers to the act of controlling a horse by holding the reins, which are the straps or ropes attached to a bridle that are used to guide and direct the horse's movements.
The idiom "have one's way" means to get what one wants or to have things done according to one's own preference, often by exerting control or influence over others.
The idiom "have one's way" is used to express the notion of getting what one wants or having control or influence over a situation. It is commonly used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of achieving one's desired outcome or having things go according to one's wishes.
The idiom "have one's hands full" means to be very busy or have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with.
The idiom "have one's hands full" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to indicate that someone is very busy or has a lot to deal with. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 16th century, but the exact source is unknown.
The idiom "have it your way" means to allow someone to do or have something exactly as they want, without any compromises or objections from others.
Liberating Symbolism
The idiom "free hand" is commonly used in English language and has a specific meaning within its context. It refers to having the freedom or authority to act or make decisions without constraints or restrictions. This metaphorical use of the idiom originated from the concept of drawing or writing freely without any constraints or guidelines. It implies having the ability to exercise one's own judgment and make choices independently. The idiom is often used in contexts such as giving someone a free hand to manage a situation or expressing the need for creative freedom in artistic endeavors.
The idiom can be traced back to the use of "free hand" in art and design. In artistic practices, artists often use their hands freely to create without any predetermined rules or guidelines. This concept of unrestricted creativity and expression influenced the metaphorical use of the idiom. Over time, the idiom has been adopted and incorporated into various fields and contexts beyond art.
The idiom "free hand" is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. It can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations. Its usage is not limited to any specific region or culture, making it a widely recognized and understood idiom in the English language.
When someone is given a free hand, they are given the freedom or authority to act or make decisions independently. It is an expression of trust and confidence in their abilities. For example, a manager might give an employee a free hand to handle a project, allowing them to make decisions and take actions without constant supervision.
"feel free" is a related idiom that is often used in combination with "free hand." When someone says "feel free," they are giving permission or encouraging someone to do something without hesitation or restraint. It is a way of expressing openness and inviting others to express themselves or take action. For example, a host might say to their guests, "Feel free to make yourselves at home" to indicate that they are welcome to relax and make themselves comfortable.
"cut loose" is another related idiom that can be connected to "free hand." When someone is told to "cut loose," they are being encouraged to let go of inhibitions and constraints, and to act or behave freely and uninhibitedly. This expression is often used in social or recreational contexts to encourage people to have fun and enjoy themselves without worrying about judgment or rules. For example, at a party, someone might say, "Go ahead and cut loose on the dance floor!" to encourage others to let loose and have a good time.
"leave someone to their own devices" is yet another idiom related to "free hand." When someone is left to their own devices, they are given the freedom and autonomy to do something or handle a situation in their own way, without interference or assistance. This expression implies trust in someone's abilities and judgment. For example, a parent might say to their child, "I'm going to leave you to your own devices to finish your homework," indicating that they trust the child to complete the task independently.
"have it your way" is a phrase that can be connected to the idiom "free hand." When someone says "have it your way," they are giving someone the authority or freedom to make choices or decisions according to their own preferences or desires. It is a way of expressing openness and willingness to accommodate someone's individual needs or wishes. For example, a customer might say to a waiter, "I'll have the burger, but can I have it my way with extra pickles?" indicating that they want the burger customized to their liking.
The idiom "free hand" has a well-established meaning in the English language. It originated from the concept of unrestricted creative expression in art and has since been adopted in various contexts beyond the artistic realm. The idiom refers to the freedom or authority to act or make decisions independently, and it is recognized and understood in both formal and informal settings. When someone is given a free hand, they are entrusted with the power to take action and make choices autonomously. The related idioms "feel free," "cut loose," "leave someone to their own devices," and "have it your way" further illustrate the concept of freedom and autonomy in different contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *free hand* can be used in a sentence:
- She was given a free hand to redecorate the entire house.
- The artist was given a free hand to create whatever he wanted for the art exhibition.
- The manager trusted his team and gave them a free hand to make decisions.
More "Gesture" idioms
