blank checks
Total spending freedom
Blank checks are checks signed but left without a specified amount, allowing the recipient to fill in any sum.
The phrase almost always appears figuratively: to give someone a blank check is to grant unlimited authority or resources without restriction.
Congress gave the president a blank check to pursue the war.
Also spelled *blank cheque* in British English.
Total freedom to choose
- delegated authorityPower granted by another
- power of attorneyLegal authority for another's decisions
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
Person owed payment
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
- fundsAvailable financial resources
- depositPlace for safekeeping
withdrawal · clearing · transaction · balance · overdraft · money order · bank draft · routing number
Self-assurance or trust
- faithTrust without proof
- relianceState of needing support
- good faithSincere, honest intent
- fiduciary dutyObligation to act loyally
accountability · responsibility · dependability · integrity · trustworthiness · delegation · loyalty · commitment
Unrestricted freedom to act
- no strings attachedWithout obligations or conditions
- leewayPermissible margin of freedom
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
Creating fraudulent imitations
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
white-collar crime · bank fraud · forged signature · scam · swindle · deception · misappropriation
Legal or financial obligation
- exposureState of being unprotected
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
- unlimited liabilityPersonal obligation for all debts
carte blanche
Total freedom to choose
- delegated authorityPower granted by another
- power of attorneyLegal authority for another's decisions
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
payee
Person owed payment
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
- fundsAvailable financial resources
deposit · withdrawal · clearing · transaction · balance · overdraft · money order · bank draft · routing number · account number
confidence
Self-assurance or trust
- faithTrust without proof
- relianceState of needing support
- good faithSincere, honest intent
fiduciary duty · accountability · responsibility · dependability · integrity · trustworthiness · delegation · loyalty · commitment · stewardship
free rein
Unrestricted freedom to act
- no strings attachedWithout obligations or conditions
- leewayPermissible margin of freedom
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
forgery
Creating fraudulent imitations
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
falsification · white-collar crime · bank fraud · forged signature · scam · swindle · deception · misappropriation
liability
Legal or financial obligation
- exposureState of being unprotected
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
unlimited liability · due diligence · safeguards · audit trail
- checkspaycheck, preflight, final review, checkup, checklist
blank checksearmarked funds
Money reserved for particular use
spending limits · quotas · tight budgets · austerity measures
check, blank, checked, checking, checks, checkers, checker, blanks, blanked