Meaning & use
at your discretion
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that someone can decide or choose something themselves, without strict rules.
Grammar: Often used in formal instructions or permissions; can be adapted to 'at my/his/her discretion' etc.
Patterns
- at someone's discretion
- leave something to someone's discretion
The teacher said we could choose our own topic at our discretion.
The refund amount is left to the manager's discretion.
You may wear casual clothes at your discretion.
Common combinations
- at the discretion of
- The event will be cancelled at the discretion of the organizers.
- use your discretion
- Please use your discretion when deciding how much to spend.
- sole discretion
- The company has sole discretion over the final decision.
- leave something to someone's discretion
- The exact date is left to your discretion.
Synonyms and how they differ
- at your option
- More formal and often used in legal or contractual contexts; it suggests a clear choice rather than judgment.
- as you see fit
- Informal and more personal; it emphasizes personal judgment rather than a rule.
Commonly confused: at your discretion or discreet?
at your discretion vs discreet
Discreet means careful not to attract attention or reveal private information; discretion is the noun meaning good judgment, and the phrase 'at your discretion' uses that noun.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'You can choose the color of the paint ______ your discretion.'
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'at your discretion'. Other prepositions like 'in' or 'on' do not form this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “at your discretion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.