blank check

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈblank ˈcheck, n. 

1. Business a bank check with a signature but without the amount written in:
   [countable] She signed a blank check and told me to fill in the amount.
2. Business permission or authority to do something without restrictions:
   [countable* usually: a + ~] gave him a blank check to reorganize the department.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

blank′ check′, 

1. Business a bank check bearing a signature but no stated amount.
2. Business unrestricted authority;
   a free hand:
   He was given a blank check in the choice of personnel for the new department.
• 1885–90