take the liberty of (doing something)
take the liberty of (doing something)
To do something without first seeking out or asking someone's permission. I thought I'd take the liberty of printing out some financial reports ahead of today's meeting so we would all be on the same page. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of telling your husband you'd be late for dinner.
See also: liberty, of, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take the liberty of doing something
to do something for someone voluntarily; to do something slightly personal for someone that would be more appropriate if one knew the person better. (Often used as an overly polite exaggeration in a request.) Do you mind if I take the liberty of flicking a bit of lint off your collar? May I take the liberty of removing your coat? I took the liberty of ordering an entree for you. I hope you don't mind.
See also: liberty, of, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
take the liberty of
Act on one's own authority without permission from another, as in I took the liberty of forwarding the mail to his summer address. It is also put as take the liberty to, as in He took the liberty to address the Governor by her first name. This rather formal locution was first recorded in 1625 and does not imply the opprobrium of the similar-sounding take liberties.
See also: liberty, of, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
take the liberty of doing something
(formal) do something without permission: I have taken the liberty of giving your address to a friend who is visiting London. I hope you don’t mind.See also: liberty, of, something, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- grease someone's palm/fist, to
- cover
- grab (someone or something) by the throat
- grab someone by the throat
- grab someone/something by the throat
- get someone's dander up, to
- help (someone) along
- help along
- die on
- die on someone