Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - blank cheque

(blank cheques) Note: in AM, use 'blank check' 1. If someone is given a blank cheque, they are given the authority to spend as much money as they need or want. (JOURNALISM) We are not prepared to write a blank cheque for companies that have run into trouble. N-COUNT 2. If someone is given a blank cheque, they are given the authority to do what they think is best in a particular situation. (JOURNALISM) He was, in a sense, given a blank cheque to negotiate the new South Africa. = carte blanche N-COUNT