give someone his or her head

give (one) (one's) head

To let one do as one wishes; to grant one more freedom. I'm so glad my parents gave me my head—now, I can finally stay out until midnight on the weekends! I'm giving you your head on this project, and I hope to see some real innovation with it.

See also: give, head

give someone his or her head

Also, let someone have his or her head. Allow someone to proceed as he or she wishes, give someone freedom. For example, He usually gave his assistant his head when it came to scheduling appointments, or Sometimes it's wise for parents to let a teenager have his head. This expression alludes to loosening a horse's reins and letting it go where it wants to. [Second half of 1500s]

See also: give, head, someone