When we use free idioms, we might be describing things that are free of charge, but more often they relate to the topics of freedom, liberty, and independence. We have both meanings covered in this list of everyday sayings.
To work out the English meaning of these expressions, it helps to understand what an idiom is. Then, feel free to take a look through this list where each idiom about freedom is explained and used in an example sentence.
Free idioms
As free as a bird
Many freedom idioms have a similar meaning to this one, which is also a simile. Someone who is as free as a bird has no worries, commitments, or problems.
“I’m as free as a bird today, so I’ll pop around to see you after lunch.”
It’s interesting to see how different idioms about birds draw on different aspects of their nature.
Clip someone’s wings
Birds are free to go where they please, but if you clip their wings, they can’t fly anymore. So when you figuratively clip someone’s wings, you are limiting their freedom or restricting their ability to perform a task.
“Don’t you dare try to clip my wings! I’m going out on stage to perform no matter what!”
“You may want to clip your child’s wings, but it will only make them more likely to rebel.”
There are plenty of idioms associated with animals in English. Why not take a look?
Spread your wings (and soar/fly)
The complete opposite of having your wings clipped, to spread your wings (and soar/fly) is to make the most of the freedom you have to do something or go somewhere.
It often refers to a new season of life, whether it’s moving to a new place, starting a new job, taking up a new hobby, or simply traveling.
“This is my year to leave home. I’m ready to spread my wings and soar.”
“Don’t be afraid to spread your wings. Make the most of life while you have the chance.”
Born free
Officially, to be born free means you were born after the end of the Apartheid era in South Africa. It can also describe, more literally, someone not born into slavery.
As an idiom about freedom, though, it describes someone who is free to make their own choices.
“I’m so glad to be born free and able to travel as I please.”
We have more idioms about travel on a separate page for you to explore.
Elbow room
Can you imagine being in a space so tight that you cannot move your elbows around? That would feel like the opposite of freedom!
Elbow room is the space or freedom to do something. Although this expression can be used in terms of physical space, you can also use it figuratively to refer to the leeway to do something or say something.
“I will allow you a little elbow room with your questions, but be careful.”
“Why did they put the seats so close together for this conference? Nobody has any elbow room.”
Freedom of speech
Freedom idioms are used around the world, but you may hear this particular one used more as an American idiom, or in reference to the USA. Freedom of speech is the right to say what you want without fear.
“I have the freedom of speech to say what I think.”
But do you really have the right to say whatever you want whenever you want to?
Free spirit / free-spirited
When you act in an uninhabited way, do your own thing, and never worry about normal social rules or constraints, you could be called free-spirited. Another way to explain it would be ‘nonconformist’.
“My best friend Dave is a bit of a free spirit. He loves to do yoga and play the bongos in the park.”
There’s no such thing as a free lunch
This is an example of a ‘free’ idiom about money. When someone comments that there is no such thing as a free lunch, they are suggesting that even if something is offered for free, there is usually a hidden cost or consequence.
“You should be careful using free wifi; you never know what they will do with your data. After all, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
Another way to express this is: ‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Freedom idioms
Freeloader
Sadly, not all free idioms are positive ones. A freeloader is someone who doesn’t pay their own way, or share a financial burden. They take advantage of other people’s kindness and generosity.
“I invited him to stay for a day or two but he’s turning into a bit of a freeloader now. “
Free rein
When you are given free rein, you are given permission to do something your own way. You’re asked to complete a task but not limited in the way you do it.
“I’ve got a lot to think about as I’ve been given free rein with this project.”
This is a good example of a work idiom as it often applies in business settings.
Feel free
You’ll hear free or freedom sayings often, but perhaps none as often as this one. If someone tells you to feel free to do something, they are indicating that you have permission to do it. You should have no worries or doubts and just go right ahead.
“Feel free to help yourself to a drink. I’ll be back in five minutes.”
“If you’d like to change the color scheme on these slides, feel free.”
You may also hear ‘You’re welcome to…’ which has the same meaning.
Get off scot-free
People who get off scot-free have avoided the punishment they deserved, or escaped from a situation without consequences.
“I can’t believe he got off scot-free. Everyone knows he did it.”
This is similar to the expression ‘get off easy’, but in this case, the person had a lighter-than-expected punishment rather than none at all. Read more about this and other easy idioms here.
Free will
Free will is a beautiful thing. It’s the power and liberty to make your own choices.
“It’s your choice. You’ve been blessed with free will, so use it.”
Some choosing and decision idioms might help you talk about your choices in life.
Are you free?
Not all these free expressions have to be complicated. When someone asks Are you free?, they are simply enquiring about your availability.
“Are you free today to watch a movie?”
“Are you free on Sunday? We’re going to the zoo.”
Cut the cord
As a freedom idiom, to cut the cord means to become more independent or give someone else more freedom.
This expression usually refers to a parent-child relationship, since the cord in question is the umbilical cord which connects a mother and baby in the womb. Once the baby is born, the cord is cut and the baby is no longer physically attached to its mother.
“Mary, it’s time to cut the cord and let your son go camping with his friends.”
“You let your parents have way too much influence on your decisions. It’s time to cut the cord and think for yourself.”
As you can see, this idiom works both ways: to refer to a parent cutting the cord and giving their child more independence, or to refer to a child breaking free from a suffocating relationship with their parents.
Loosen the apron strings
This saying dates back to when mothers were more commonly found in the kitchen, wearing an apron. When you ask someone to loosen the apron strings, you are hoping they will reduce the control they have over someone. Similar to cutting the cord, this idiom is most often used as a family expression in relation to parents and their children.
“Listen, why don’t you loosen the apron strings and let her go to the concert with her friends?”
This saying is similar to loosen the reins, but this is used more to refer to laws or other people, not just mothers.
Fly the coop / nest
Yet another bird-related idiom about freedom, and another that relates to parents and children. To fly the coop or fly the nest is to move out of your family home – usually a move that brings a new level of liberty and independence.
“I dread the day my youngest child flies the nest. I won’t know what to do with myself.”
It’s always amazing to see how many English idioms there are and how many topics they cover. This list of freedom and free idioms will come in useful as they are used often in day-to-day conversation.
Always feel free to leave a comment – perhaps share your favorite phrase or ask a question. You have the freedom to choose!
