Good morning, Reins are the ropes that are used by a jockey riding a horse. The jockey holds onto these ropes, and steers the horse in the right direction and can tell the horse to go faster/slower. If someone has free reins, they are not restricted by anyone else. They have the freedom to do what they want, or compete a task without guidance. I hope this helps, Tom

To put it another way - Reins are ropes or cords used to control horses when someone is riding them. "Free reins" means "no reins" and "no control". If someone is "given free reins", they are no longer any under control or restrictions.

Yes, reins are used to control a horse, and the term "given a free rein" is commonly used in English to describe freedom to do, act, or say what you want. But in Hiberno English we never use the plural. (reins) Example. . . "When Bob got divorced, it felt like he was given a free rein to play the field" I hope this helps.

Yes. Everywhere. It is standard English.

@Su.Ki is it everywhere, not only in Ireland?