Without a by your leave; without so much as a by your leave
phrase
Doing something without asking for permission or without informing the parties involved.
She packed her bags and left without a by your leave.
Often appears as...
- left without a by your leave
- take without a by your leave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Doing something abruptly or rudely, without considering the feelings of others.
He took the last piece of cake without so much as a by your leave.
Often appears as...
- took without so much as a by your leave
- left without so much as a by your leave
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Doing something without asking for permission or without informing the parties involved.
She packed her bags and left without a by your leave.
Often appears as...
- left without a by your leave
- take without a by your leave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Doing something abruptly or rudely, without considering the feelings of others.
He took the last piece of cake without so much as a by your leave.
Often appears as...
- took without so much as a by your leave
- left without so much as a by your leave
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Permission Ignored
Used when someone acts without seeking approval first, often leading to surprise or annoyance.
He joined the trip without a by your leave, which baffled everyone.
Pro Tip 2/3Informality
This phrase is informal and best used in casual conversations, not formal settings.
She entered without a by your leave, as if the house were her own.
Pro Tip 3/3Disregard
Implies carelessness towards others' opinions or rights in the acted-upon situation.
They started the project without a by your leave from the committee.
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