Phrase guide

take liberties

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To act on one's own authority, without asking for permission.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ottaa vapauksia — act on one's own authority
  • French: prendre la liberté — act on one's own authority
  • Hungarian: önhatalmúlag — act on one's own authority
  • Polish: pozwalać sobie — act on one's own authority
  • Russian: взять на себя́ сме́лость (vzjatʹ na sebjá smélostʹ) — act on one's own authority
  • Finnish: ottaa vapauksia — behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances
  • French: prendre des libertés — behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances
  • Polish: za dużo sobie pozwalać — behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances
  • Russian: допуска́ть во́льности (dopuskátʹ vólʹnosti) — behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances