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.

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Cite this Entry

“Take liberties.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20liberties. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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