Take liberties with somebody/something
phrase
Behave in a way that is not considered proper or not show proper respect for someone or something.
I hope you didn't think I was taking liberties when I offered to pay for your meal.
Often appears as...
- taking liberties with the truth
- taking liberties with someone's trust
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Make changes to something without the consent or knowledge of the owner.
The editor took liberties with my article, and I hardly recognized it when it was published.
Often appears as...
- take liberties with someone's work
- take liberties with a story
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Flirt or make sexual advances towards someone without necessarily getting their permission or going beyond what is generally accepted.
He got fired because he was taking liberties with his co-worker.
Often appears as...
- take liberties with a co-worker
- take liberties with a friend
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic,Colloquial
phrase
Behave in a way that is not considered proper or not show proper respect for someone or something.
I hope you didn't think I was taking liberties when I offered to pay for your meal.
Often appears as...
- taking liberties with the truth
- taking liberties with someone's trust
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Make changes to something without the consent or knowledge of the owner.
The editor took liberties with my article, and I hardly recognized it when it was published.
Often appears as...
- take liberties with someone's work
- take liberties with a story
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Flirt or make sexual advances towards someone without necessarily getting their permission or going beyond what is generally accepted.
He got fired because he was taking liberties with his co-worker.
Often appears as...
- take liberties with a co-worker
- take liberties with a friend
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic,Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
What might be considered taking liberties in one culture may not be the same in another.
Inviting yourself to a party might not be taking liberties in some cultures.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Boundaries
Taking liberties often involves crossing personal boundaries one should respect.
Reading someone's diary without permission is taking liberties with their privacy.
Pro Tip 3/3Implicit Permission
Sometimes, an action can be considered taking liberties if implied consent isn't clear.
Borrowing a book without asking could be seen as taking liberties.
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