If they answer is "you don't need my permission", that is permission. Then, and in any circumstance like it in the future. When it fails, the underling can sa

If they answer is "you don't need my permission", that is permission. Then, and in any circumstance like it in the future. When it fails, the underling can say "boss said I don't need to ask permission for that", and it appropriately falls upon the boss instead. I would never say that except in extremely simple circumstances. Anyone asking permission is unsure, and you should help them be sure.