Crossword Genius

Provides free rein for river approach

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leeway

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'provides free rein' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'river approach' is the wordplay.
'river' becomes 'lee' (I've seen this in other clues).
'approach' becomes 'way'.
'lee'+'way'='LEEWAY'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leeway that I've seen before include "Allowance" , "Room for movement within limits" , "Margin of tolerance" , "Space for free movement" , "Margin of safety" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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