carte blanche — complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/
Example Sentences
- My mom gave me carte blanche with the pizza toppings, so I ordered pineapple and chocolate chips.
- The interior designer was given carte blanche to transform the old mansion.
- With carte blanche from his boss, Tom decided to install a slide instead of stairs in the office.
carte blanche
NOUN[/ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/]
complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This French phrase literally means 'blank card' or 'white card'. It originates from a historical practice where monarchs or authority figures would sign a blank document, leaving the content to be filled in later by the bearer, granting them unrestricted authority or freedom of action.
Breakdown
carte (card, from Latin charta meaning paper) + blanche (white, from Latin blancus meaning pale or white).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom gave me carte blanche with the pizza toppings, so I ordered pineapple and chocolate chips.”
“The interior designer was given carte blanche to transform the old mansion.”
“With carte blanche from his boss, Tom decided to install a slide instead of stairs in the office.”
“The chef has carte blanche to create tonight's special menu.”
📚Related Words
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