Definition of "take the liberty" []

• To act on one's own authority. (verb)

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• "The second thing you find is that the statute-books are crowded with other laws which they make no pretense of enforcing; for example, the law which forbids the saloons to be open on Sunday -- which law they take the liberty of understanding to mean that the saloons shall not have their front doors open on Sunday."
• "I take the liberty of inclosing to you a letter for Genl Chastellux for which you will readily find means of conveyance."
• "“Then you will forgive me if I take the liberty to say it,” said Dr. Starr sarcastically."