take liberties (with sb) OLD-FASHIONED
to be too friendly with someone, usually in a sexual way:
Some of the younger women complained that he'd been taking liberties with them.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

take liberties (with sth)
to change something, especially a piece of writing, in a way that people disagree with

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

take liberties
take liberties (with (someone))
to be friendly with another person for your own benefit.
The head of our department believed that everyone there would take liberties with her if she let them.

take liberties with (something)
to change something to suit your needs, esp. when writing a story or book.
The play takes liberties with history, but it brings to life the people from so long ago.

1.
to change something, especially a piece of writing, in a way that people disagree with.
Whoever wrote the screenplay for the film took great liberties with the original text of the novel.
(usually + with)
2.
to be too friendly to someone in a way that shows a lack of respect, especially in a sexual way.
Don't let him take liberties with you.
(often + with)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

take liberties
v. phr. To act toward in too close or friendly a manner; use as you would use a close friend or something of your own.
Mary would not let any boy take liberties with her.
Bill took liberties with Tom's bicycle.
Compare: MAKE FREE WITH.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲