Definition

Noun: 1. A signed cheque with the amount left unspecified: A physical cheque that bears the signature of the account holder (the drawer) but does not have the monetary amount filled in, allowing the payee to write in any sum. 2. Complete freedom or authority to act; unlimited discretionary power: A figurative meaning describing a grant of total trust and unrestricted spending authority or decision-making power, often without predefined limits or conditions.

Usage Examples

• The CEO was given a blank cheque by the board to acquire the new startup, trusting his judgment completely.
• The ambassador was not issued a blank cheque for the negotiations; she had very strict guidelines to follow.
• Signing a blank cheque is risky because someone could fraudulently write in a large amount.

Advanced Usage

• "To have/write someone a blank cheque": To grant someone complete freedom and authority, especially regarding spending or a course of action.
  • The investors wrote the visionary founder a blank cheque to develop her new technology.
• "To be given/carte blanche": This phrase is often used synonymously with the figurative sense of "blank cheque," emphasizing unrestricted authority. ("Carte blanche" is a French term meaning "blank paper").
  • The designer was given carte blanche to renovate the historic property.

Variants and Related Words

• Blank check: The American English spelling of "blank cheque."
• Cheque/Check: The order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account.
• Discretion: The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
• Mandate: An official order or commission to do something, which may or may not have limits.

Synonyms

• (Figurative) Free hand, , unlimited authority, full discretion, unconditional support.
• (Literal) Unspecified cheque, open cheque.

Antonyms

• (Figurative) Strict mandate, limited budget, constrained authority, specific instructions.
• (Literal) Filled cheque, specified cheque.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A blank cheque" (idiom): Almost always used in its figurative sense in modern contexts to imply trust and the potential for unchecked spending or action.
  • The new legislation does not give regulators a blank cheque; there are clear oversight mechanisms.
• "To cash a blank cheque": To take advantage of granted freedom or authority, often by spending money or taking action.
  • He cashed the blank cheque he was given by hiring a large team of experts.

Noun

1. a check that has been signed but with the amount payable left blank