IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishhave a free hand
Meaning: To have freedom to act as one sees fit.
Example: “The new coach was given a free hand to rebuild the team.”
Origin: A hand not held back or tied. The phrase is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Portuguese: carta branca Literally: White letter
French: Avoir les coudées franches Literally: To have free elbow-lengths
More English idioms
- wear sackcloth and ashes To show public regret or repentance.
- a bottomless pit Something that uses up endless money or effort; also a person who is always hungry.
- in the middle of nowhere In a very remote place, far from towns.
- out of thin air Appearing from nowhere, as if by magic.
- be at a low ebb To be in a poor or weak state.
- sit on the fence To avoid taking sides.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tête de linotte A scatterbrain who can't hold a thought.
- Courir sur le haricot To get badly on someone's nerves.
- Tienes menos luces que un barco pirata You're really not the brightest.
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