Taking risks is an integral part of life, and the English language is rich with idioms that capture the essence of risk-taking. Here are 20 idioms that describe various aspects of risk, each with a short meaning and an example sentence.
1. Roll the dice
Meaning: Take a chance
Example: Let’s roll the dice on this new idea.
2. Stick your neck out
Meaning: Take a risk
Example: He stuck his neck out to defend her.
3. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: Act recklessly
Example: She threw caution to the wind and invested.
4. Play with fire
Meaning: Take a dangerous risk
Example: You’re playing with fire by ignoring safety rules.
5. Take the plunge
Meaning: Go for it
Example: They decided to take the plunge and move abroad.
6. Skate on thin ice
Meaning: In a risky situation
Example: He’s skating on thin ice with his comments.
7. Jump in with both feet
Meaning: Fully commit
Example: She jumped in with both feet into the project.
8. Risk life and limb
Meaning: Risk everything
Example: He risked life and limb to save her.
9. Go out on a limb
Meaning: Take a chance
Example: She went out on a limb with her suggestion.
10. Leap of faith
Meaning: Trust without proof
Example: Starting a business is a leap of faith.
11. On the line
Meaning: At risk
Example: His reputation is on the line with this decision.
12. Venture into the unknown
Meaning: Explore new risks
Example: They ventured into the unknown with the new venture.
13. Walk a tightrope
Meaning: Be in a precarious situation
Example: He’s walking a tightrope with his risky investments.
14. Bite the bullet
Meaning: Face a difficult situation
Example: She bit the bullet and started her own company.
15. Fly by the seat of your pants
Meaning: Act without planning
Example: He flew by the seat of his pants in the meeting.
16. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Confront a problem directly
Example: She took the bull by the horns and solved the issue.
17. Chance your arm
Meaning: Take a risk
Example: He chanced his arm by applying for the job.
18. Dive in headfirst
Meaning: Start eagerly
Example: They dived in headfirst into the new project.
19. Go for broke
Meaning: Risk everything
Example: She decided to go for broke and start her own business.
20. Cast caution to the wind
Meaning: Ignore potential risks
Example: He cast caution to the wind and quit his job.
