a/the right to (something)

a/the right to (something)

The moral or legal permission, privilege, or authority to have or own something. Everyone has a right to food, shelter, and water, but unfortunately, not everyone in this country gets them. I have the right to my own opinions, so don't try to tell me how to think! The new legislation gives every citizen the right to equal treatment in the financial industry, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

See also: right, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*(a) right to something

 and *(the) right to something

a privilege or license to have something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I have the right to have the kind of house I want. You have a right to any house you can afford.

See also: right, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.