English idiom

take the liberty

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to do something without first asking permission, often as a helpful or polite initiative

Word picture

Freedom to act is pictured as an object someone takes before receiving permission.

Example

“I took the liberty of reserving a table because the restaurant fills quickly.”

Dictionary details

Component words

liberty

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

not on your life

used to refuse a suggestion in the strongest possible terms

take it or leave it

accept an offer exactly as presented or reject it entirely

take a dim view of

To judge something negatively or regard it with doubt or disapproval.

when all is said and done

ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered

cut and dried

fully settled and clear, with little room for debate or alteration

in the final analysis

after weighing all the relevant facts; ultimately

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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