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Free reign or free rein?

  • 11-01-2009 11:27pm
    #1
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,484 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    What's the correct spelling of this expression, equivalent to carte blanche? Does it refer to allowing someone to rule as (s)he sees fit or to run loose and unbridled?


Comments

  • #2
    copacetic
    Subscribers Posts: 16,592 ✭✭✭✭copacetic


    Free rein. As in giving the horse it's head.


    have seen 'free reign' used in error a fair bit also.


  • #3
    Permabear
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39,022 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • #4
    The Raven.
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,008 ✭✭✭The Raven.


    pickarooney wrote: »
    What's the correct spelling of this expression, equivalent to carte blanche? Does it refer to allowing someone to rule as (s)he sees fit or to run loose and unbridled?

    Yes, 'free rein' is the correct one. I like your definitions. It's not surprising that 'free reign' gets used though as it also makes sense, especially to people unfamiliar with horses.


  • #5
    Time Magazine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,452 ✭✭✭Time Magazine


    In this weather, "free rain" is also acceptable.


  • #6
    Caoimhe89
    Closed Accounts Posts: 124 ✭✭Caoimhe89


    I read 'free reign' in a book recently, and then was worried that I had been mis-spelling - nay, mis-understanding - the term since I was about 9. I'm glad that I was not. Also, what shoddy editing!


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  • #7
    Honey-ec
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,844 ✭✭✭Honey-ec


    copacetic wrote: »
    Free rein. As in giving the horse it's head.


    have seen 'free reign' used in error a fair bit also.

    Or even giving a horse its head.

    Sorry, couldn't resist.

    *returns to the corner*


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