手た綱づなを緩ゆるめる

expression, ichidan verb

loosen the reins; let up on someone

Literally means to slacken the reins of a horse. Figuratively, it means to relax control or pressure on someone, giving them more freedom or easing strictness.

• 上じょう司しは部ぶ下かへの手た綱づなを緩ゆるめて、自じ主しゅ性せいを尊そん重ちょうすることにした。

  The boss decided to loosen the reins on his subordinates and respect their autonomy.

• 親おやが子こ供どもへの手た綱づなを緩ゆるめすぎると、規き律りつが失うしなわれることもある。

  If parents let up on their children too much, discipline can sometimes be lost.