at liberty

Idioms  

1. Free, not obligated; also, not occupied. For example, I am not at liberty to tell you the whole story, or “I ... washed when there was a basin at liberty” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847). This idiom is often used in a negative context, as in the first example. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at liberty

Jacques Moretti had been held in custody since January 9, while his wife has remained at liberty, under certain restrictions.

From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026

She says there have been other uses of the missile, which she isn’t at liberty to discuss.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025

Despite the serious charges against him, Mr Péchier has remained at liberty under judicial supervision and told French radio on Monday there was "no proof of any poisoning".

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2025

I also feel entirely at liberty with the table salt.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2025

“Miss, I can’t at this time. There’s been a situation out here. I don’t know what information the family has yet so I’m not at liberty to say.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Related Words

• able
• at large
• clear
• easy
• independent
• loose
• open
• unfettered
• unrestricted