Etymology Map
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Carte blanche

2 stages from French to English.

Today it means complete freedom to act as one wishes

Where does the word "carte blanche" come from? It comes from French carte blanche, adopted directly into English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
carte blanche
French · 1600s
"blank paper"
'white paper': a blank, signed paper on which the holder could write any terms, originally of surrender
2
Stage 2 of 2
carte blanche
English · 1700s
"full discretion"
borrowed for unlimited authority
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Read the full story

Carte blanche’s story begins in French: carte blanche meant “blank paper.” 'white paper': a blank, signed paper on which the holder could write any terms, originally of surrender. It reached English by 1700s as carte blanche. Borrowed for unlimited authority. Today, carte blanche means complete freedom to act as one wishes.