blank cheque: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Financial, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “blank cheque” mean?
A signed cheque with the amount left blank for the payee to fill in.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A signed cheque with the amount left blank for the payee to fill in.
Complete freedom of action; unlimited authority or resources given to someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses 'cheque' for the financial instrument; American English uses 'check'. The figurative phrase 'blank check' is common in US English.
Connotations
Identical in connotation, though the UK spelling 'cheque' signals the financial origin more transparently.
Frequency
Slightly more common in political and business commentary than in everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “blank cheque” in a Sentence
to give [someone] a blank chequeto have/hold a blank chequea blank cheque for [action/purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new CEO was given a blank cheque to restructure the company.
Academic
The grant provided researchers with a virtual blank cheque for experimental materials.
Everyday
My parents didn't give me a blank cheque for the wedding planning!
Technical
The legislation was criticized for handing regulators a blank cheque on enforcement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blank cheque”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blank cheque”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blank cheque”
- Using 'blank check' as a verb (e.g., 'They blank-checked the project' is non-standard). Confusing it with a literal, worthless cheque.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonymous, both meaning complete freedom to act. 'Carte blanche' is French in origin, while 'blank cheque' is English.
No, it is a noun phrase. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to blank cheque something') is non-standard and generally avoided.
It is context-dependent. It can be positive (showing great trust) or negative (implying irresponsible lack of oversight or limits).
Use 'cheque' for British English contexts and 'check' for American English. The figurative meaning is identical.
A signed cheque with the amount left blank for the payee to fill in.
Blank cheque is usually formal, financial, figurative in register.
Blank cheque: in British English it is pronounced /blæŋk tʃek/, and in American English it is pronounced /blæŋk tʃek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a licence to print money”
- “a free rein”
- “unfettered discretion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cheque with the amount blank: someone can write ANY number, meaning unlimited spending power.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT (where unlimited value = unlimited power).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning of 'blank cheque'?