No-strings-attached
adj.kind, calmeveryday
What it means
Given freely without hidden conditions or expected repayment.
Reach for it when describing a gift or offer with no hidden conditions or expected return
The no-strings-attached grant let the shelter address its most urgent needs.
Choose between these
6- everyday
free and clear
ownership passes without debt or claim
not when Free and clear is especially financial or legal.
- warm
generous spirit is being praised
not when Open-handed describes manner, not enforceable terms.
- professional
the recipient controls how support is used
not when Unrestricted funds can still carry reporting duties.
- formal
outright
the transfer is complete rather than temporary
not when Outright ownership does not rule out expectations.
- formal
no qualifying requirement applies
not when Unconditional can overstate gifts governed by ordinary law.
- literary
absence of payment is the only claim
not when Gratis does not exclude nonfinancial conditions.
Said against
3- conditional
- encumbered
- quid pro quo
It naturally appears in
3- no-strings-attached gift
The no-strings-attached gift covered the shelter's urgent repairs.
- no-strings-attached funding
No-strings-attached funding let residents choose their own priorities.
- truly no-strings-attached
The offer was truly no-strings-attached and required no publicity.
Usage notes
The phrase is only accurate when legal, financial, publicity, data, and relationship expectations are all absent or disclosed.