leeway
nounUK /ˈliːweɪ/
US /ˈliːweɪ/
Extra room or freedom to do something in your own way.
The teacher gave us some leeway on how to present our projects.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The amount by which a ship is blown off its course by wind or water.
The sailors had to account for the leeway caused by the strong side wind.
3. Extra time or money beyond what is strictly needed.
We built in some leeway so we wouldn't be late if traffic was bad.
4. The space or distance by which one thing falls behind another.
The runner made up the leeway and caught the leader near the finish line.