leeway

A ship has leeway when it drifts off course due to wind or currents.

When people talk about having "leeway," they usually mean some extra freedom or flexibility. Imagine being on a tight deadline at work, but your boss gives you an hour to finish your project - that's like getting some leeway. Or, picture yourself planning a road trip and someone says, "Don't worry if you're late, just take the scenic route and see where it takes you - that's leeway." It can also mean having some extra time or resources to get something done. Sometimes people say they have no leeway, which means they're very limited in what they can do.

The word "leeway" is used for nautical purposes when referring to the sideways movement of a ship due to wind or currents. In this context, it's an actual distance or direction that the ship drifts off course. However, when talking about having extra freedom or flexibility, leeway doesn't have any direct relation to sailing.