take the liberty of doing



take the liberty of doing something

to do something for someone voluntarily; to do something slightly personal for someone that would be more appropriate if one knew the person better. (Often used as an overly polite exaggeration in a request.) Do you mind if I take the liberty of flicking a bit of lint off your collar? May I take the liberty of removing your coat? I took the liberty of ordering an entree for you. I hope you don't mind.
See also: liberty, of, take

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Brunildabroo-NEEL-dah (Spanish)Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
TerraTER-əEnglish
Shira-Hebrew
ColbyKOL-beeEnglish
Hamm[hæm]
Evripidis-Greek