bessaleyfi

From bessi +‎ leyfi. The etymology is not clear,[1] but "bessi" likely means bear (cf. the Icelandic bersi (“bear”))[1][2] so the literal meaning would be "to take the permission of a bear" as bears do not ask for permission.[1] Alternatively it may be derived from an unknown story about some man named Bessi.[1]

bessaleyfi n (genitive singular bessaleyfis, no plural)

1. (idiomatic, in að taka sér bessaleyfi) to take the liberty of doing something, to do something without asking for permission

   Einstaklingar á svæðinu hafa tekið sér það bessaleyfi að rukka fólk sem kemur til að skoða þessa einstöku náttúruperlu.

   Individuals there have taken the liberty of charging people who come to view this unique natural site.

   Tveir lögreglumenn tóku sér bessaleyfi til að laga te í eldhúsi hans.

   Two police officers made themselves a cup of tea in his kitchen without permission.

• spyrja hvorki kóng né prest