IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchDonner carte blanche
Meaning: To grant someone complete freedom to act as they see fit.
Literally: To give a white card
Example: “Le propriétaire a donné carte blanche au chef pour composer le menu.” — The owner gave the chef free rein to design the menu.
English equivalent: To give someone free rein
Equivalents in other languages
English: give free rein
Origin: A carte blanche was a sheet signed at the bottom and left otherwise empty, so that the bearer could write in whatever terms they chose above the signature. English borrowed it whole rather than translating it.
More French idioms
- La femme de César ne doit pas être soupçonnée Those in public office must be above even the appearance of wrongdoing.
- Se réduire comme une peau de chagrin To dwindle away steadily until nothing is left.
- Appuyer sur le champignon To accelerate hard; to floor it.
- Devoir une fière chandelle à quelqu'un To owe someone a considerable debt of gratitude.
- Le jeu n'en vaut pas la chandelle The effort or cost outweighs anything to be gained.
- Tenir la chandelle To be the awkward third party to a couple.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- On ne change pas une équipe qui gagne Don't change something that's working.
- La curiosité est un vilain défaut Being too curious about others' business is a bad habit.
- Chien sur son fumier est hardi Everyone is bold on their own ground.
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