by-your-leave

American  

[bahy-yer-leev] / ˈbaɪ yərˈliv /

noun

1. an apology for not having sought permission.

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by-your-leave British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of by-your-leave

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Surely it was the admiral’s problem if his ostrich was so ill-mannered that it ran away without so much as a by-your-leave?

From Literature

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