noun · A sword granted by the emperor to high officials, signifying delegated authority and the power to execute individuals without prior approval.

钦差大臣获赐尚方宝剑，有权先斩后奏。

idiom · A mandate or authority, especially in fiction or figurative usage, that grants the bearer absolute power or the ability to act without normal legal constraints.

他把这份红头文件当成了可以为所欲为的尚方宝剑。