Without so much as a

1.) Stating that someone has done an act without properly following through.

2.) Has done this, without doing that.

Emily: Amara just shot up and walked out the door; without so much as a by your leave.

Michelle: Pfft, the nerve of some people huh?

by your leave

Prepositional phrase:

1.) Spoken to someone to politely ask their permission.

James: What a pleasant conversation, Jesse. I'll hope to see you again next week! Well, by your leave...

Jesse: But of course!

(James exits)

perish the thought

A reassuring way of stating to an insecure friend that their comment (whilst maybe a bit true) was silly and/or foolish and the last thing on your mind.

Sally: Hey Bob, I know you'd rather take Julia to the prom because you think she's prettier than me...

Bob: Jeez Sally, Julia over you?! Lol, Perish the thought!

Bob: ( @Julia 😉)

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