noʊ strɪŋz əˈtætʃt
General
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Without strings tied to something
What does "no strings attached" mean?
- Without special conditions or obligations
- Free from hidden requirements or commitments
Examples
- The gift comes with no strings attached.
- He offered help with no strings attached.
- Is this offer really no strings attached?
Origin
From puppetry—puppets have strings attached that control them. 'No strings' means no hidden control or conditions.
How to use it
Often used for gifts, offers, or relationships. Emphasizes lack of hidden expectations.
Similar expressions
unconditional
free
without obligations
Opposites
conditional
with requirements
strings attached
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "no strings attached" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.