BLANK CHECK Meaning and
Definition
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A "blank check" is a financial term referring to a situation or agreement where an individual or entity gives another party complete authority or freedom to spend or act on their behalf without any specific limitations, conditions, or restrictions. The term originated from literal blank checks, checks that are signed but have the recipient and amount left completely blank.
In a literal context, a blank check is a check that has been signed but does not have any specific amount written, allowing the recipient to enter any desired value when cashing or utilizing it. Similarly, in a metaphorical sense, a blank check implies unlimited discretion or authority granted to someone, essentially allowing them to determine the extent and nature of their actions.
This term is commonly employed in relationships involving power imbalances, such as when a person delegates full decision-making capabilities to someone else without requesting any accountability or control. For instance, if a company's board of directors grants its CEO a "blank check," it means the CEO has full authority to make any financial decisions without seeking prior approval. In such cases, the person or entity holding the blank check is accountable solely to themselves and holds complete responsibility for their actions, often representing a high level of trust or confidence in the individual or entity bestowed with such discretion.
Common Misspellings for BLANK CHECK
- vlank check
- nlank check
- hlank check
- glank check
- bkank check
- bpank check
- boank check
- blznk check
- blsnk check
- blwnk check
- blqnk check
- blabk check
- blamk check
- blajk check
- blahk check
- blanj check
- blanm check
- blanl check
Etymology of BLANK CHECK
The expression "blank check" originated in the banking industry and has its roots in literal language. In traditional banking, a customer writes a check to indicate an amount of money they wish to transfer from their account to another party. This check typically contains specific details such as the recipient's name, the amount to be transferred, and the date. However, a "blank check" is a check that is not filled out entirely or is missing some vital information.
Metaphorically, the term "blank check" started to be used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to refer to a situation where someone is given complete, unrestricted authority or control over a particular matter. It suggests that the person or party receiving the "blank check" can fill in any desired amount or use their authority as they see fit without any restrictions or accountability.
Idioms with the word BLANK CHECK
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a blank check
The idiom "a blank check" refers to a situation or agreement where someone is given complete freedom, authority, or permission to do as they wish without any limitations or restrictions. It implies granting unrestricted power or control to someone else, often without accountability or oversight.
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give someone a blank check
The idiom "give someone a blank check" means to grant someone complete authority or control over a situation without establishing any limits, constraints, or conditions. It implies trusting someone fully and allowing them to make any decisions or take any actions as they see fit, often with potential risks or consequences.
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give sm a blank check
To "give someone a blank check" means to give them complete freedom or authority to do whatever they want, without any limitations or restrictions. It implies granting full trust and confidence in their decisions or actions, often in the context of financial matters or decision-making power.
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give a blank check
The idiom "give a blank check" means to give someone complete trust, authority, or freedom to do as they please without any restrictions or limitations.
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blank check
A blank check is a check that has been signed by the drawer but has not been filled out with the payee's name and the amount to be paid, thus giving the recipient the authority to fill in any amount they wish. In a figurative sense, the term "blank check" is used to describe giving someone complete freedom or permission to do whatever they want without any restrictions or oversight.
Similar spelling words for BLANK CHECK
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