In the USA, people often use special phrases called idioms when talking about taking risks. A risk is when you do something even though you are not sure what will happen. Sometimes risks are small, like trying a new food. Other times they are big, like starting a business or moving to a new city. Idioms make talking about these choices more colorful and easier to understand.
These expressions have grown from stories, history, sports, and everyday life. Americans use them at work, in school, and in casual conversations. Learning idioms about risk can help you understand what people mean in a fun way. They can also make your own speaking and writing more interesting. In this article, we will look at many common idioms about risk, their meanings, and how to use them.
Idioms About Risk
1. Take the plunge
Meaning: To decide to do something risky or bold.
Example Sentence:
• She took the plunge and started her own bakery.
• I took the plunge and asked my boss for a raise.
Other ways to say: Go for it, take a big step
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from diving into water, which can feel scary if it’s cold or deep.
Usage: Used when someone decides to start something that feels risky.
2. Jump the gun
Meaning: To act before the right time.
Example Sentence:
• He jumped the gun and sent the email before getting approval.
• I don’t want to jump the gun and make the wrong choice.
Other ways to say: Act too soon, rush ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from track races, where starting before the gun is fired is against the rules.
Usage: Used when someone acts too quickly and without waiting.
3. Play with fire
Meaning: To take a big risk that could cause trouble.
Example Sentence:
• Skipping your homework is like playing with fire.
• He’s playing with fire by driving without a seatbelt.
Other ways to say: Take a dangerous risk, ask for trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the idea that fire can be useful but dangerous if not handled carefully.
Usage: Used when someone is doing something that could have bad results.
4. Roll the dice
Meaning: To take a chance without knowing what will happen.
Example Sentence:
• She rolled the dice and invested in a new company.
• I’m rolling the dice by trying a new recipe without instructions.
Other ways to say: Take a chance, give it a try
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from dice games, where the outcome is all luck.
Usage: Used when taking a chance that could go either way.
5. Go out on a limb
Meaning: To take a risk to support an idea or person.
Example Sentence:
• I’ll go out on a limb and say our team will win.
• She went out on a limb to help her friend find a job.
Other ways to say: Take a stand, stick your neck out
Fun Fact/Origin: From climbing trees, where going out on a thin branch is risky.
Usage: Used when speaking up or acting in a risky way to help or support something.
6. Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: To risk everything on one plan.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket with that single investment.
• I put all my eggs in one basket when I only applied to one college.
Other ways to say: Rely on one plan, bet it all on one thing
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that if you drop the basket, all the eggs will break.
Usage: Used when warning against depending only on one option.
7. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To stop being careful and take a big risk.
Example Sentence:
• She threw caution to the wind and went skydiving.
• I threw caution to the wind and ordered the spiciest dish on the menu.
Other ways to say: Be daring, take a bold step
Fun Fact/Origin: Likely comes from sailing, where wind can be dangerous if ignored.
Usage: Used when someone decides to be bold and stop worrying about the outcome.
8. Bet the farm
Meaning: To risk everything you have.
Example Sentence:
• He bet the farm on his new business idea.
• I’m not betting the farm on this game, but I’m pretty sure we’ll win.
Other ways to say: Risk it all, put everything on the line
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from farmers who might risk losing their land if a gamble fails.
Usage: Used when someone risks everything they own or care about.
9. Step into the lion’s den
Meaning: To go into a very risky or dangerous situation.
Example Sentence:
• He stepped into the lion’s den when he argued with the coach.
• Asking for a raise from that boss is like stepping into the lion’s den.
Other ways to say: Face danger, enter a risky place
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Bible stories where lions were used to punish people.
Usage: Used when someone is entering a situation with high danger or conflict.
10. Skating on thin ice
Meaning: To be in a risky or dangerous situation.
Example Sentence:
• You’re skating on thin ice by not doing your homework.
• He’s skating on thin ice with his boss after missing deadlines.
Other ways to say: Walking a fine line, close to trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: From ice skating, where thin ice can break and cause danger.
Usage: Used when someone is close to making a serious mistake.
11. Test the waters
Meaning: To try something a little before deciding to fully commit.
Example Sentence:
• She tested the waters by selling a few paintings online before opening a store.
• We tested the waters with a trial run of the new menu.
Other ways to say: Try out, give it a shot
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from checking water temperature before swimming.
Usage: Used when someone wants to try something small before making a big decision.
12. Take a leap of faith
Meaning: To do something even though you can’t be sure of the result.
Example Sentence:
• Moving to another city was a leap of faith for me.
• He took a leap of faith and asked her to marry him.
Other ways to say: Trust your gut, make a brave choice
Fun Fact/Origin: Connected to trusting in something without proof, like jumping and believing you’ll land safely.
Usage: Used when making a decision without full certainty.
13. Burn your bridges
Meaning: To take an action that you can’t undo.
Example Sentence:
• He burned his bridges by quitting without notice.
• Don’t burn your bridges with friends—you might need them later.
Other ways to say: Cut ties, close the door behind you
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from armies burning bridges after crossing so they couldn’t go back.
Usage: Used when someone takes a step that ends a relationship or opportunity permanently.
14. Put your neck on the line
Meaning: To take a big risk that could lead to trouble.
Example Sentence:
• She put her neck on the line by defending her coworker.
• I’m putting my neck on the line by recommending him for the job.
Other ways to say: Take a risk, stick your neck out
Fun Fact/Origin: May come from times when criminals faced hanging.
Usage: Used when someone risks harm to their reputation or safety.
15. Fly by the seat of your pants
Meaning: To act without a plan and make decisions as you go.
Example Sentence:
• We didn’t prepare much; we just flew by the seat of our pants.
• He’s flying by the seat of his pants during this project.
Other ways to say: Improvise, make it up as you go
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from early pilots who flew without instruments, relying only on feel.
Usage: Used when doing something without careful planning.
16. Stick your neck out
Meaning: To do something risky to help someone or support an idea.
Example Sentence:
• She stuck her neck out to speak up for the new policy.
• I’ll stick my neck out for you if you promise to try.
Other ways to say: Take a stand, put yourself at risk
Fun Fact/Origin: May refer to turtles sticking their necks out of their shells, making themselves vulnerable.
Usage: Used when someone risks themselves to help another.
17. Risk life and limb
Meaning: To take extreme physical risks.
Example Sentence:
• Firefighters risk life and limb to save others.
• He risked life and limb climbing that cliff without gear.
Other ways to say: Put yourself in danger, take extreme risks
Fun Fact/Origin: “Limb” refers to arms and legs, meaning danger to your whole body.
Usage: Used when someone is in real physical danger.
18. Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: To be in a situation with no easy or safe options.
Example Sentence:
• She was stuck between a rock and a hard place with her decision.
• I feel between a rock and a hard place about which job to take.
Other ways to say: Stuck with bad choices, in a tight spot
Fun Fact/Origin: May come from miners trapped between rock walls.
Usage: Used when faced with two equally bad or risky choices.
19. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult or painful situation with courage.
Example Sentence:
• I decided to bite the bullet and pay for the repairs.
• He bit the bullet and told his boss the truth.
Other ways to say: Face the music, get it over with
Fun Fact/Origin: Soldiers used to bite bullets during surgery before anesthesia.
Usage: Used when someone accepts and deals with something hard.
20. Walk a tightrope
Meaning: To be in a risky position where any mistake could be bad.
Example Sentence:
• The politician is walking a tightrope between two groups.
• I’m walking a tightrope at work by trying to please both bosses.
Other ways to say: Be in a delicate spot, balance carefully
Fun Fact/Origin: From circus performers who balance on ropes high above the ground.
Usage: Used when someone has to be very careful to avoid problems.
21. Go for broke
Meaning: To risk everything for a big goal.
Example Sentence:
• He went for broke and spent all his savings on the store.
• We decided to go for broke and order the biggest ad campaign.
Other ways to say: Give it all you’ve got, risk it all
Fun Fact/Origin: From gambling, meaning to risk all your money in one bet.
Usage: Used when someone is going all in for a chance at success.
22. Run the gauntlet
Meaning: To go through a series of dangerous or challenging events.
Example Sentence:
• He ran the gauntlet of tough interview questions.
• The new law has to run the gauntlet of court challenges.
Other ways to say: Face many challenges, endure hardship
Fun Fact/Origin: From military punishment where soldiers ran between two lines while being hit.
Usage: Used when facing a series of risks or tests.
23. Venture into the unknown
Meaning: To do something you have never done before.
Example Sentence:
• She ventured into the unknown when she started her own podcast.
• We ventured into the unknown by moving to Alaska.
Other ways to say: Explore new ground, take a step into the unfamiliar
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly used for explorers and inventors.
Usage: Used when someone tries something completely new.
24. Chance your arm
Meaning: To take a risk, often to get something you want.
Example Sentence:
• He chanced his arm by asking for a big discount.
• I’ll chance my arm and try for the lead role.
Other ways to say: Take your chances, risk it
Fun Fact/Origin: British origin, possibly from medieval duels.
Usage: Used when risking something to get a reward.
25. Put it all on the line
Meaning: To risk everything important to you.
Example Sentence:
• She put it all on the line to start her own store.
• I’m putting it all on the line to make this dream happen.
Other ways to say: Risk it all, go all in
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from gambling and sports.
Usage: Used when everything is at stake.
26. Cross the Rubicon
Meaning: To make a decision you cannot go back on.
Example Sentence:
• By signing the contract, we crossed the Rubicon.
• He crossed the Rubicon when he quit his job.
Other ways to say: Pass the point of no return, commit fully
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon River, starting a war.
Usage: Used when a decision changes everything.
27. Dive in headfirst
Meaning: To start something quickly without hesitation.
Example Sentence:
• She dove in headfirst and joined the debate team.
• I dove in headfirst without reading the instructions.
Other ways to say: Jump right in, start without delay
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from diving into water without checking depth.
Usage: Used when someone starts without thinking much.
28. Throw your hat in the ring
Meaning: To decide to compete or take part in something.
Example Sentence:
• He threw his hat in the ring for the student council election.
• I might throw my hat in the ring for the promotion.
Other ways to say: Join the competition, enter the race
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from boxing matches where fighters tossed hats into the ring to join.
Usage: Used when someone announces they will compete.
29. Dance with danger
Meaning: To do something risky or unsafe.
Example Sentence:
• Driving that fast is dancing with danger.
• She danced with danger by climbing without safety gear.
Other ways to say: Flirt with danger, court trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests that danger is like a dance partner—close and risky.
Usage: Used when someone is acting in a dangerous way.
30. Jump off the deep end
Meaning: To start something without preparation.
Example Sentence:
• He jumped off the deep end and moved to another country.
• Don’t jump off the deep end before you learn the basics.
Other ways to say: Take a big plunge, start unprepared
Fun Fact/Origin: From swimming, where jumping into deep water without knowing how to swim is risky.
Usage: Used when starting something suddenly and unprepared.
31. Blaze a trail
Meaning: To be the first to do something.
Example Sentence:
• She blazed a trail by starting the first tech club at school.
• They blazed a trail in eco-friendly farming.
Other ways to say: Lead the way, be a pioneer
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from marking a path in the wilderness.
Usage: Used for people who try new things before others.
32. Ride the wave
Meaning: To take advantage of a situation while it lasts.
Example Sentence:
• He rode the wave of popularity after winning the contest.
• We’re riding the wave of good sales this month.
Other ways to say: Make the most of it, go with the flow
Fun Fact/Origin: From surfing, where riders follow a wave’s motion.
Usage: Used when making the most of a temporary opportunity.
33. Push the envelope
Meaning: To go beyond normal limits.
Example Sentence:
• The athlete pushed the envelope with his new record.
• This movie pushes the envelope in storytelling.
Other ways to say: Break boundaries, stretch limits
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from aviation, meaning to test limits of performance.
Usage: Used when testing how far you can go.
34. Stick to your guns
Meaning: To stand by your decision despite risk or pressure.
Example Sentence:
• She stuck to her guns and refused to change her design.
• I’ll stick to my guns even if it’s not popular.
Other ways to say: Hold your ground, stay firm
Fun Fact/Origin: Military term meaning to stay at your position in battle.
Usage: Used when not giving in under pressure.
35. The stakes are high
Meaning: A lot can be gained or lost.
Example Sentence:
• The stakes are high in the championship game.
• We’re making a big decision—the stakes are high.
Other ways to say: Big risk, big reward
Fun Fact/Origin: “Stakes” refers to money or prizes in betting.
Usage: Used when the outcome has big consequences.
36. Tempt fate
Meaning: To take an unnecessary risk.
Example Sentence:
• You’re tempting fate by driving in that storm.
• I didn’t want to tempt fate by bragging before the game.
Other ways to say: Ask for trouble, court danger
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the belief that fate punishes overconfidence.
Usage: Used when someone does something risky without need.
37. A gamble
Meaning: A risk with an uncertain result.
Example Sentence:
• Starting a new business is always a gamble.
• It was a gamble to try the new strategy.
Other ways to say: A bet, a risk
Fun Fact/Origin: From gambling games, where winning is never certain.
Usage: Used for risky actions with uncertain outcomes.
38. Out of your comfort zone
Meaning: Doing something unfamiliar and challenging.
Example Sentence:
• Speaking in public took me out of my comfort zone.
• She’s out of her comfort zone in this new job.
Other ways to say: In new territory, beyond your limits
Fun Fact/Origin: “Comfort zone” means a place or situation where you feel safe.
Usage: Used when trying something new and challenging.
Quiz: Idioms About Risk
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the idioms to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does “throw caution to the wind” mean?
A) To be extra careful
B) To stop being careful and take a big risk
C) To save money for the future
2. If someone “puts all their eggs in one basket,” what are they doing?
A) Relying on one plan or option
B) Spreading their chances across many plans
C) Avoiding all risk
3. What does “skating on thin ice” suggest?
A) Being in a risky or dangerous situation
B) Having a fun time outdoors
C) Moving quickly through a project
4. If a person “burns their bridges,” what have they done?
A) Fixed a relationship
B) Taken action they cannot undo
C) Built something stronger
5. What does “go for broke” mean?
A) To take things slowly
B) To risk everything for a big goal
C) To save all your resources
6. If someone “tests the waters,” what are they doing?
A) Trying something small before making a big decision
B) Jumping into something without thinking
C) Avoiding a situation completely
7. What does “walk a tightrope” mean?
A) To be in a position where any mistake could be bad
B) To perform in a circus
C) To take a relaxing stroll
8. What does “bite the bullet” mean?
A) To avoid a hard situation
B) To face something difficult with courage
C) To win an award
9. If you “throw your hat in the ring,” what are you doing?
A) Quitting a challenge
B) Entering a competition or challenge
C) Giving up on a goal
10. What does “venture into the unknown” mean?
A) To travel somewhere you know well
B) To do something you have never done before
C) To avoid trying new things
11. What does “push the envelope” mean?
A) To go beyond normal limits
B) To send a letter
C) To clean up after a project
12. If someone “sticks to their guns,” what are they doing?
A) Changing their mind easily
B) Standing by their decision despite risk or pressure
C) Avoiding taking any side
13. What does “out of your comfort zone” mean?
A) Doing something safe and familiar
B) Doing something unfamiliar and challenging
C) Returning to a favorite activity
Answer Key
- B) To stop being careful and take a big risk
- A) Relying on one plan or option
- A) Being in a risky or dangerous situation
- B) Taken action they cannot undo
- B) To risk everything for a big goal
- A) Trying something small before making a big decision
- A) To be in a position where any mistake could be bad
- B) To face something difficult with courage
- B) Entering a competition or challenge
- B) To do something you have never done before
- A) To go beyond normal limits
- B) Standing by their decision despite risk or pressure
- B) Doing something unfamiliar and challenging
Wrapping Up
In the USA, idioms about risk are a lively way to talk about bold actions and uncertain choices. They come from history, sports, and everyday life, and they give conversations extra meaning. Whether it’s “skating on thin ice” or “taking a leap of faith,” these phrases help people share how much risk is involved.
Knowing these idioms can make it easier to understand others and express yourself. Risks are part of life, and these expressions can help you describe them in colorful, clear ways that Americans use every day.
