By/with your leave

usgb
phrase

Used to ask for permission or to excuse one's actions.

By your leave, may I ask a question?
Visual representation of "by/with your leave" - Used to ask for permission or to excuse one's actions.

Often appears as...

  • excuse me
  • by your leave

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "by/with your leave"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Polite Permission

The phrase is a very formal way to ask for approval before you do something.

Illustration for Polite Permission
By your leave, sir, I would like to close the shop early today.
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Old-fashioned

It's an archaic phrase, so use it to sound quaint or in historical settings.

Illustration for Old-fashioned
With your leave, madam, I shall retrieve your carriage.
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Literary Usage

You may find it used in literature to convey historical or formal settings.

Illustration for Literary Usage
By your leave, I will speak to your father about our engagement.
Visual representation of the word "By/with your leave"

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