have carte blanche

To have the freedom to do whatever one wants or deems necessary, especially with a particular task or assignment. The phrase "carte blanche" comes from French, literally meaning "blank card." I can't believe we have carte blanche to organize the conference. The boss is usually such a micro-manager about these things! Look, just because I'm giving you some flexibility in how to complete the assignment doesn't mean you have carte blanche to do whatever you like. That project has needed an overhaul for a long time, so I'm glad Janet finally has carte blanche to restructure it.