Why it begins to appear during a time when the horse was still the primary mode of transportation is puzzling. The Salvator and Scientist (Chicago, Illinois), September 1896 Here we may give free reign to our imagination, with the moral certainty that science will supply nothing tending either to prove or to disprove any of its fancies. Alexander Read, The Chirurgicall Lectures of Tumors and Ulcers, 1635Ībout two centuries later, the phrase perplexingly begins appearing in print in the form "free reign." The tongues of Angels are not able to expresse what benefits doe redound unto man by the right ordering of the tongue, and what harmes and inconveniences againe, when we give it free reines to lash out. Figurative use of the phrase referring to freedom of action goes back to the 17th century. The expression "free rein" originated as horseback-riding jargon referring to the act of holding the reins (the straps by which a rider controls the horse) loosely so as to allow the horse to freely move along at its own pace and in its desired direction. Next question: is this horse 'champing' or 'chomping' at the bit? Origins of Free Rein The misinterpretation of the set phrase " free rein"-referring to unrestricted liberty of action or decision-as "free reign" is an eggcorn that writers struggle with all too often. But what follows "free reign" in the quotes suggests a different intent: the speakers are referring to the freedom granted to them to do as they choose-and not to their power as a ruler to do so.
In the quotations above, it is quite possible the writers felt their interviewees possessed an unbridled royal authority to do as they please.
Jesse Kowalski, quoted in The Berkshire Eagle, 25 Sept. "I was given free reign to redesign the galleries," said Kowalski, who came to the Rockwell in March…." Chris Townson, quoted in Travel Weekly, 15 Dec. The expression free rein originated from horseback riding and refers to the act of holding the reins that control the horse loosely so as to allow the horse to freely move along at its own pace and in its desired direction.Ĭoming here was an opportunity to redevelop the marketplace. Free rein, meaning "unrestricted liberty of action or decision," is often misinterpreted as free reign.
0 kommentar(er)
