Example: Le directeur a eu carte blanche pour réorganiser l'entreprise.
Definition
"Avoir carte blanche" means to have full freedom and authority to act as one wishes without restrictions, often in decision-making or managing a situation. For example, when someone 'has carte blanche,' they can make choices independently and with complete discretion.
Translations
To have free rein
Tener carta blanca
Vrij spel hebben
Tenir carta blanca
Freie Hand haben
Etymology
The phrase "avoir carte blanche" originates from the French language, where 'carte' means 'card' and 'blanche' means 'white.' It literally refers to having a 'blank card,' symbolizing an unrestricted permit or unlimited power to act. Did you know this expression dates back to the Middle Ages when monarchs gave blank documents to trusted officials as a sign of full authority?
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"Avoir carte blanche" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To have free rein