Leeway

[lee-wey] /ˈliˌweɪ/

noun
1.
extra time, space, materials, or the like, within which to operate; margin:
With ten minutes’ leeway we can catch the train.
2.
a degree of freedom of action or thought:
His instructions gave us plenty of leeway.
3.
Also called sag. Nautical. the amount or angle of the drift of a ship to leeward from its heading.
4.
Aeronautics. the amount a plane is blown off its normal course by cross winds.
/ˈliːˌweɪ/
noun
1.
room for free movement within limits, as in action or expenditure
2.
sideways drift of a boat or aircraft
n.

1660s, sideways drift of a ship caused by wind, from lee + way. Figurative meaning “extra space” is by 1835.