take the liberty
Proceed without permission
To take the liberty is to do something without asking permission first, often because you assume the other person won't mind or because you believe the action is justified.
The phrase typically appears in polite formulations that acknowledge a minor breach of etiquette: I took the liberty of ordering for you or I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of reading your draft.
It can also be used sarcastically when someone has clearly overstepped.
- dareChallenge to act boldly
- presumeAccept without verification
- ventureRisky new undertaking
- if I mayPermission-seeking phrase
- audacityBrazen, reckless daring
push one's luck · run the risk · apology · assume · initiate · proactivity · boldness · commence · permission · consideration · assertiveness · imposition · overstep · cross the line · step out of line · rashness · consent · authorization
take the libertystand on ceremony
Insist on strict formality
know one's place · hold back · err on the side of caution · stay in one's lane
take the libertyhold back
Prevent forward movement
refrain · wait one's turn · stay in one's lane · abstain · bite one's tongue
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, uptake, intake, retake