noun
leeway
LEE-way
noun
1
Extra freedom or flexibility to act without strict limits.
"The new manager gave the team more leeway to set their own deadlines."
"We built some leeway into the budget in case costs rose."
How to Use Leeway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRoom to manoeuvre — extra freedom, time, or margin for error.
Common pairings
give someone leeway
allow some leeway
little leeway
Word Forms
leeways plural
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The new manager gave the team more _____ to set their own deadlines.
Etymology
Originally a sailing term: from lee ("the sheltered side away from the wind") plus way, describing how far a ship drifted sideways off course.