phrase
no strings attached
noh STRINGZ uh-TACHT
No strings attached (phrase) means Without conditions, obligations or hidden requirements. Example: “The grant is a gift with no strings attached.”
phrase
1
Without conditions, obligations or hidden requirements.
"The grant is a gift with no strings attached."
"They offered a month's free trial, no strings attached."
2
informal Of a sexual relationship: casual, with neither person expecting commitment, exclusivity or emotional involvement.
"They agreed it was no strings attached and neither would text between meet-ups."
How to use no strings attached
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNothing is expected in return, and there are no conditions.
When to use it
Neutral in the money or offer sense; informal in the relationship sense, where NSA is the usual written abbreviation.
Memory tip
Hyphenate it when it comes before a noun: a no-strings-attached loan.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
with no strings attached
a no-strings-attached offer
no-strings relationship
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like no strings attached.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The grant is a gift with _____.
Etymology
From the figurative use of strings for the ties or controls attached to a gift or agreement, as with a puppet's strings.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
conditional
with conditions
Related words
Rhymes for no strings attached
See all rhymes for no strings attached →Frequently asked questions
What does NSA mean in dating profiles?
It is the abbreviation of no strings attached: sex without commitment, exclusivity or an ongoing emotional relationship.
What is the difference between no strings attached and friends with benefits?
Friends with benefits implies an existing friendship that also includes sex. No strings attached describes the terms rather than the relationship, and the two people may barely know each other.
Is no strings attached only about relationships?
No. It is used just as often about money, offers and deals to mean that nothing is expected in return.
What is the meaning of no strings attached?
"no strings attached" (phrase) means without conditions, obligations or hidden requirements.
