give someone enough rope

Meanings:

• 1.

  Generalliteral
  • To supply a person with a sufficient length of rope for use.

• 2.

  USUKAustraliaGeneralidiomaticneutral
  • To allow someone freedom to act or work without close supervision or interference.

• 3.

  USUKAustraliaidiomaticneutralcolloquial
  • To permit an adversary or wrongdoer enough freedom so that they will make a mistake or bring about their own downfall or discredit.