2leave noun
1 : a period of time when someone has special permission to be away from a job or from military service [singular] ▪ He took an unpaid leave from work. ▪ The soldiers were given a two-month leave for the holidays. [noncount] ▪ 12 weeks of leave ▪ He took a few months' leave to care for his sick mother. ▪ The company granted her maternity leave. [=time off to take care of a newborn child] ▪ Our professor is on leave this semester. ▪ She is on leave from her law firm. ▪ a soldier on military leave —called also leave of absence; — see also compassionate leave, family leave, shore leave, sick leave 2 [noncount] formal : permission to do something
▪ I beg leave to differ with you, sir. ▪ He was found guilty but was granted/given leave to appeal against the verdict. ▪ The soldier was guilty of being absent without (official) leave.
▪ I beg leave to differ with you, sir. ▪ He was found guilty but was granted/given leave to appeal against the verdict. ▪ The soldier was guilty of being absent without (official) leave.
take leave of someone or take your leave
formal : to say goodbye to someone
▪ It was late when they finally took leave of their friends and headed home. ▪ After a few minutes of polite conversation, he took his leave.
▪ It was late when they finally took leave of their friends and headed home. ▪ After a few minutes of polite conversation, he took his leave.
take leave of your senses
: to begin acting or thinking in a very foolish way
▪ Have you taken leave of your senses?
▪ Have you taken leave of your senses?
without (so much as) a by your leave
old-fashioned : without asking permission
▪ He borrowed my car without so much as a by your leave!
▪ He borrowed my car without so much as a by your leave!
