Think of it like giving a horse free rein on its reins - it can go wherever it wants, as fast as it wants.
Here are some examples:
* "The company gave its employees free rein to come up with new ideas." This means the company didn't impose any rules or limits on what employees could suggest.
* "She gave free rein to her emotions and cried openly." This means she didn't hold back her feelings and let them flow freely.
It's important to note that "give free rein" can have both positive and negative connotations. It can suggest freedom, creativity, or a lack of control depending on the context.