Taking risks is an essential part of life and business. Understanding the language associated with risks can help you communicate more effectively. Here are 20 expressions related to risks that you can use in various situations.
1. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: Face a difficult situation.
Example: She decided to bite the bullet and apologize.
2. Burn One’s Bridges
Meaning: Destroy relationships or opportunities.
Example: He burned his bridges when he quit his job.
3. Cross the Rubicon
Meaning: Make an irreversible decision.
Example: By signing the contract, he crossed the Rubicon.
4. Jump the Gun
Meaning: Act prematurely.
Example: Don’t jump the gun; wait for instructions.
5. On Thin Ice
Meaning: In a risky situation.
Example: You’re on thin ice with your boss.
6. Play with Fire
Meaning: Take dangerous risks.
Example: He’s playing with fire by ignoring the rules.
7. Roll the Dice
Meaning: Take a chance.
Example: They decided to roll the dice and invest.
8. Sink or Swim
Meaning: Succeed or fail without help.
Example: It’s a sink or swim situation for the team.
9. Stick One’s Neck Out
Meaning: Take a risk.
Example: She stuck her neck out to defend him.
10. Throw Caution to the Wind
Meaning: Act recklessly.
Example: He threw caution to the wind and resigned.
11. Take the Plunge
Meaning: Commit to a risky action.
Example: She took the plunge and started her business.
12. Throw Down the Gauntlet
Meaning: Challenge someone.
Example: He threw down the gauntlet to his competitor.
13. Walk a Tightrope
Meaning: Be in a precarious situation.
Example: She’s walking a tightrope with her finances.
14. Out on a Limb
Meaning: In a risky position.
Example: He went out on a limb to support her idea.
15. Break New Ground
Meaning: Innovate or take risks.
Example: The company broke new ground with their product.
16. Hazard a Guess
Meaning: Take a risk to guess.
Example: She hazarded a guess about the outcome.
17. Run the Risk
Meaning: Face the possibility of danger.
Example: By doing this, you run the risk of failure.
18. Push the Envelope
Meaning: Exceed normal limits.
Example: The artist pushed the envelope with his work.
19. Fly by the Seat of One’s Pants
Meaning: Rely on instinct.
Example: He flew by the seat of his pants during the presentation.
20. Take a Leap of Faith
Meaning: Trust in an uncertain outcome.
Example: She took a leap of faith and moved abroad.
