'free reign' vs 'free rein'

[Mirlo]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #353 "English Slang Idioms (74)", question 1

"I have to leave the office for about two hours. You have free ......... to conduct business until I get back," the boss told his assistant.

(a) will
(b) choice
(c) reign
(d) spirit

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #353 "English Slang Idioms (74)", answer 1

"I have to leave the office for about two hours. You have free reign to conduct business until I get back," the boss told his assistant.

Correct answer: (c) reign
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"Free rein" surely, as this phrase has its origins in equestrianism.

Mirlo

[Esl_Expert]

I agree with you on that. The expression is "free rein".
Since "free rein" is also the expression being tested here, it really would be best if someone took the time to repair that error in the test.

.

There is also the expression "keep a tight rein on somebody/something".
And another expression with the word rein is "rein something in" -- which can be found (with the word rein correctly spelled) in this test:
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ai443/esl-test.php

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“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” ~ Colin Powell

[AnWulf]

You're correct ... it should rein. The expression is "free rein".

[Beeesneees]

Yes, it should be 'rein'.
Unfortunately corrections are not being picked up at the moment:
Why test errors are not being corrected.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett