give someone his or her head
give someone his or her head
Also, let someone have his or her head. Allow someone to proceed as he or she wishes, give someone freedom. For example, He usually gave his assistant his head when it came to scheduling appointments, or Sometimes it's wise for parents to let a teenager have his head. This expression alludes to loosening a horse's reins and letting it go where it wants to. [Second half of 1500s]
See also: give, head, someone
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
- accompany on a journey
- a stranger to (someone or something)
- be out of (one's) league
- be out of somebody's league
- be in bad with (someone)
- benefit of the doubt, to give/have the
- (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
- bargain
- bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)