Take liberties Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈɫɪbɝˌtiz
TAYK LIB-er-teez
tˈeɪk/ /lˈɪbətɪz
TAYK LIB-uh-teez
Definition
To act in a way that goes beyond what is proper, often doing something without permission or being too familiar with someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
Slightly formal or literary; often implies overstepping social boundaries or accepted rules. Used with 'with' (take liberties with someone/something). Can sound critical; context matters—sometimes playful, often a warning.
Spanish: tomarse libertadesPortuguese (BR): tomar liberdadesPortuguese (PT): tomar liberdadesChinese (Simplified): 擅自行动 - 冒昧Chinese (Traditional): 擅自行事 - 冒昧Hindi: मनमानी करनाArabic: يتجاوز الحدودBengali: অতিরিক্ত স্বাধীনতা নেওয়া - বেপরোয়া আচরণ করাRussian: вольничать - позволять себе лишнееJapanese: 勝手なことをする - 出過ぎた真似をするVietnamese: tự tiện - làm việc quá đàKorean: 제멋대로 하다 - 지나치게 행동하다Turkish: kendine aşırı özgürlük tanımak - haddini aşmakUrdu: حد سے بڑھ جانا - از خود مرضی کرناIndonesian: bertindak seenaknya - mengambil kebebasan berlebihan
Example Sentences
He shouldn't take liberties with the rules.
basic
Please don't take liberties with my things.
basic
He took liberties when talking to the boss.
basic
I hope you don't mind if I take liberties and move your chair.
natural
She tends to take liberties with facts when she tells stories.
natural
Don't take liberties with people you just met; it might offend them.
natural