by-your-leave

[ bahy-yer-leev ]

noun

1. an apology for not having sought permission.

by-your-leave

noun

1. a request for permission (esp in the phrase without so much as a by-your-leave )

Word History and Origins

Origin of by-your-leave¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

If Chris’ idea of “doing you a favor” is unilaterally telling your kid “Hey, call me Dad” without so much as a by-your-leave beforehand, I’m concerned about what else he might think is a favor.

From Slate

Without so much as a by-your-leave from Mama or Aunt Loma, Miss Love was planning on getting rid of Granny’s belongings!

From Literature

Without so much as a knock or a by-your-leave, he stalked through the door, brushing past me, eased the saddle to the floor, and, seeing nothing but her, moved down the hall toward Miss Love.

From Literature

Turned up uninvited one afternoon and without so much as a by-your-leave, she flushed them down the lavvy!

From Literature

“I am so outraged that they would do this without so much as a by-your-leave,” she told reporters.

From New York Times