carte blanche
phrase · Collocation / phrase C2
Plain meaning
complete freedom to do whatever one thinks is best
Exam-register meaning
unrestricted authority or permission to act
In context
naturalThe designer was given carte blanche to redesign the office.
examNo government should be given carte blanche to monitor citizens without legal oversight.
Common collocations
give someone carte blanchehave carte blanchecarte blanche to do something
Watch out
Do not use it for ordinary permission; it means very broad freedom or authority.
Word family
carte blanche (noun phrase)