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by Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony on July 16th, 2004

Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony

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What is the origin of the saying "carte blanche"?

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  • by SethNess on September 28th, 2004

    SethNess

    According to the author of www.Word-Detective.com , a second-generation professional etymologist & newspaper columnist,

    "As one of the theories you heard implies, "carte blanche" is originally from the French, where it literally means "blank paper." The term "carte blanche" was probably of military origin, meaning an agreement of unconditional surrender submitted by the loser to the victor consisting of a sheet of paper blank except for the defeated commander's signature, signifying that the victor could fill in his own terms. "Carte blanche" first appeared in English in this literal sense around 1700, but by later in the 18th century was being used in its modern "do whatever is necessary" sense."

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