Persay.
Um, ouch.
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, pandas, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Persay.
Um, ouch.
I can't get worked up over "free reign" either - how does it change the idiomatic meaning of the phrase? Unrestrained monarch vs unrestrained horse.
What the hell does "free reign" even mean?
I assume people think of it as reigning freely, which I can't hate them for. Except, they're wrong.
Unrestrained monarch is more dangerous.
Hey Zen, you have email if you're online.
Cass
I assume it's like when I was young and would clip a lead rope to my horse's halter and drape it over his neck, lie back and let him wander around the desert while I watched the clouds.
Was this horse, by any chance, unnamed?
Well, a horse with a rider is generally under the rider's control at all times, unless and until the rider gives the horse free rein (or the horse bucks the rider off or the rapture occurs, or whatever). But for the most part, the vast majority of the time, the horse is not the one in charge.
A monarch tends to be the one in charge fairly well all of the time. I know, I know, it's more complicated than that, but I think the cliche isn't really derived from the fiddly bits of politics involving monarchies and the issue of Parliament vs. the Windsors.
"Free reign" is a given. (At least, when it comes to cliches.) "Free rein" is not. (Ditto.)
Plei, I hope your father heals and is well.
Also better-than-it-sounds ma for Meara's nurse's nephew, and cope-ma for Meara's nurse.
Also wish the best to Max.
"Reign" is sufficient, few monarchs, if any, have partial or restricted reign. Reign is a right of the crown. Free rein is bestowed by a superior, theoretically.
meara, that's appalling. So many good thoughts for that child and his family.
More good thoughts for your dad and family, Plei.
Fred, I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis. If there's nothing else to be done, may things at least go easy and gentle.
Such horrible news in Beep me. Good thoughts to those that need'em.
Only good news I have is that the paint matches pretty well?