take liberties

phrase

1

disapproving : to make important changes to something

—usually + with

I think the movie takes too many liberties with the original story.

2

old-fashioned : to be informal and friendly toward someone in a way that is not proper

—usually + with

He was accused of taking liberties with several young women.

Examples of take liberties in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But does Reaves provide some value as a deterrent should other teams on this trip take liberties with Smith and Celebrini? — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026

But while Murphy and co-creator Ian Brennan take liberties with the Menendez case, their decision to tell the story from multiple and often contradictory angles is a satisfying one. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2025

There are many different types of nakiri knives out there, including some with traditional rounded wood wa-style handles, some made from high-end carbon steel, and some that take liberties with the blade shape in an effort to modernize the design. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2025

Movies take liberties with their source material all the time. — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025

If opposing teams take liberties with the Sharks’ best young players, there has to be a response. — Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024

Without a transcript of the trial, an appeal is hopeless and only encourages bad actors to take liberties with the truth and the law, aware there will be no repercussions. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2024

That’s why the show, directed by Oliver Hermanus, can take liberties with Mary, who was not quite the architect of George’s life portrayed in the show. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 17 June 2024