a long leash

long leash

A phrase indicating that one is given a lot of independence or is not under very strict control by someone else. Her parents giver her quite a long leash, so it doesn't surprise me that she gets up to as much trouble as she does. They may be regretting the long leash they gave their candidate ahead of the campaign.
See also: leash, long
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a long leash

If someone is given a long leash, they are allowed a lot of freedom to do what they want. Note: A `leash' is a long thin piece of leather or chain, which you attach to a dog's collar so that you can keep the dog under control. He thinks it best to let people have a long leash. `If some want to make fools of themselves, I let them do that, too.' Inga knew that she had to give Judd a long leash or he would have left her. Note: You can say that someone is given a longer leash if they are given more freedom. At the beginning of the campaign, the Republican candidate was given a longer leash than ever before.
See also: leash, long
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • long leash
  • short leash
  • long time, no hear
  • on a short leash
  • great minds
  • great minds think alike
  • beck and call
  • lex dubia non obligat
  • a penny for them
References in periodicals archive
Titan actually had a long leash on before, but when he was spotted he had a short leash, so it possibly may have got cut.
Desperate search for deaf dog Titan who went missing in Longbenton four days ago; Titan, an Australian Cattle Dog, has been missing since Tuesday afternoon and dozens of people are helping to look for the pet as concerns for his welfare grow
A dog who is leashed but who appears agitated or stronger than his handler, or who is being allowed by his owner to wander across the sidewalk at the end of a long leash (or, horrors, one of those retractable leashes that allows him to extend his reach to an unpredictable distance), may appear as a terrifying threat to a mom who is taking her newborn baby out in a stroller for the first time, or an elderly person who is fragile or already having trouble with balance.
Good dog owner! Four ways to be a better dog owner
If you are not confident that the dog will remain in the stay position, you can attach a long leash to the dog's collar and keep one foot on the edge of the leash.
When she is coming reliably in the house, go outdoors with her on a long leash so she cannot escape.
Q my toy poodle often escapes from the house. To get her back, I use a clicker and treats, but she pays no attention to me. What can I do?
She added: 'I won't be letting him out on his own from now on without a long leash, actually make that a very short leash.'
Lost scientist in family reunion
While he was waiting to be admitted to the visiting area, a search dog was brought into the area and canvassed the room on a long leash. The dog gave a positive alert for drugs and the arrestee was subjected to a pat down search and his visitor locker was searched.
Lynn v. O'Leary