liberty (redirected from liberties)

at liberty

free; unrestrained. The criminal was set at liberty by the judge. You're at liberty to go anywhere you wish. I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter.

take liberties with someone or something and make free with someone or something

to freely use or abuse someone or something. You are overly familiar with me, Mr. Jones. One might think you were taking liberties with me. I don't like it when you make free with my lawn mower. You should at least ask when you want to borrow it.

See also: take

take the liberty of doing something

to do something for someone voluntarily; to do something slightly personal for someone that would be more appropriate if one knew the person better. (Often used as an overly polite exaggeration in a request.) Do you mind if I take the liberty of flicking a bit of lint off your collar? May I take the liberty of removing your coat? I took the liberty of ordering an entree for you. I hope you don't mind.

See also: doing, take

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take liberties 

1. to change something, especially a piece of writing, in a way that people disagree with (usually + with ) Whoever wrote the screenplay for the film took great liberties with the original text of the novel.

2. (old-fashioned) to be too friendly to someone in a way that shows a lack of respect, especially in a sexual way (often + with ) Don't let him take liberties with you.

See also: take

take the liberty of doing something   (formal)

to do something that will have an effect on someone else without asking their permission (usually in past tenses) I took the liberty of reserving us two seats at the conference. I hope that's all right by you.

See also: take

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at liberty

able or allowed to do something I'm not at liberty to discuss this with you.

Usage notes: often used in a negative statement, as in the example

take liberties (with somebody)

to be friendly with another person for your own benefit The head of our department believed that everyone there would take liberties with her if she let them.

See also: take

take liberties with something

to change something to suit your needs, esp. when writing a story or book The play takes liberties with history, but it brings to life the people from so long ago.

See also: take

take the liberty of doing something

to do something without first getting someone's approval I've taken the liberty of reserving a seat for you on tomorrow morning's flight to New York.

See also: take