unlimited powers

[/ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈpaʊərz/]
noun phrase
poderes ilimitados
1. Authority or ability to act without restrictions, limitations, or constraints
The dictator wielded unlimited powers over the nation.
O ditador exercia poderes ilimitados sobre a nação.
2. Legal or constitutional authority without bounds or conditions
The president was granted unlimited powers during the emergency.
O presidente recebeu poderes ilimitados durante a emergência.
3. Absolute authority or control in a specific domain
She had unlimited powers to make decisions regarding the project.
Ela tinha poderes ilimitados para tomar decisões sobre o projeto.
This phrase is frequently used in discussions of Brazilian and Portuguese politics, constitutional law, and historical contexts involving authoritarian regimes. In Brazil, the concept relates significantly to discussions about the 1964-1985 military dictatorship and constitutional safeguards against executive overreach. In formal Portuguese usage, distinctions are made between 'poderes ilimitados' (general unlimited powers) and 'autoridade irrestrita' (unrestricted authority), with the latter being more legalistic.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
absolute powertotal authorityunrestricted powersupreme powercarte blanche
Antonyms / Antônimos
limited powersrestricted authoritychecked powerconstrained authority

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
poderes ilimitados
Standard and most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
poderes ilimitados / poder total
Both terms used interchangeably in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
poderes ilimitados / autoridade plena
Slightly more formal variant used in business contexts
Portugal
poderes ilimitados / autoridade irrestrita
More formal usage; 'irrestrita' is preferred in legal documents

Related Words

authoritysovereigntydiscretionjurisdictionprerogativemandate

Related Idioms & Phrases

have free rein
have a blank check
have the upper hand
rule the roost
have carte blanche
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