free hand

US: /ˈfriˌhænd/ ,(frē′hand′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈfree ˈhand, n. [countable* singular]

1. unrestricted freedom or authority:
   They gave the director a free hand to cut the budget wherever she wanted.

free•hand /ˈfriˌhænd/  adj. 

1. drawn or done by hand without guiding instruments, measurements, or other aids:
   a freehand map.

adv. 
2. in a freehand manner:
   to draw freehand.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

free′ hand′, 

1. unrestricted freedom or authority:
   They gave the decorator a free hand.

• 1925–30

free•hand  (frē′hand′), adj. 

1. drawn or executed by hand without guiding instruments, measurements, or other aids:
   a freehand map.

adv. 

2. in a freehand manner:
   to draw freehand.

• free + hand 1860–65

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

free hand noun

1. unrestricted freedom to act (esp in the phrase give (someone) a free hand)

adjective , adverb (freehand)

1. (done) by hand without the use of guiding instruments: a freehand drawing