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to bell the cat
2-
leap in the dark
3-
to push one's luck
4-
to sail close to the wind
5-
a mug's game
6-
to roll the dice
7-
to play with fire
8-
to have a death wish
9-
to ask for trouble
10-
to be cruising for a bruising
11-
to live on the edge
to bell the cat
fráze
uk flag
/bˈɛl ðə kˈæt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to be the one who shows courage and does something risky that benefits all members of a group

example
Příklad
Click on words
In my career, I've often been the one who bells the cat, taking on challenging projects others were hesitant to tackle.
The CEO suggested that the company needed a major overhaul, but no one wanted to be the one to bell the cat and implement the changes.
What is the origin of the idiom "bell the cat" and when to use it?

The idiom "bell the cat" has its origins in a fable attributed to Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller. In the fable, a group of mice discusses how to deal with a cat that preys on them. One mouse proposes placing a bell around the cat's neck to warn them of its approach, but another mouse points out the difficulty of accomplishing this risky task. The phrase is used figuratively to describe a challenging or dangerous undertaking, particularly one in which someone has to assume a significant risk in order to achieve a goal or address a problem.

leap in the dark
fráze
uk flag
/lˈiːp ɔːɹ dʒˈʌmp ɪnðə dˈɑːɹk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a risk or brave act taken without considering the consequences

What is the origin of the idiom "leap in the dark" and when to use it?

The idiom "leap in the dark" originated in the 19th century and is often attributed to British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. It is used metaphorically to describe an action or decision that is taken without complete information or understanding of the potential consequences, often involving a degree of risk or uncertainty.

to push one's luck
fráze
uk flag
/pˈʊʃ wˈʌnz lˈʌk/
N/A

N/A

to continue to take risks because one has not faced any consequences so far

to sail close to the wind
fráze
uk flag
/sˈeɪl klˈoʊs nˌɪɹ tə ðə wˈɪnd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to do something that is dangerous, improper, or possibly illegal

What is the origin of the idiom "sail close to the wind" and when to use it?

The idiom "sail close to the wind" has nautical origins and refers to a sailing technique where a ship sails as closely as possible to the direction of the wind without the sails luffing or flapping. Figuratively, it is used to describe behavior or actions that push the limits of acceptability, rules, or safety, often involving a degree of risk.

a mug's game
fráze
uk flag
/mˈʌɡz ɡˈeɪm/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

an action that is not beneficial to one in any way

What is the origin of the idiom "a mug's game" and when to use it?

The idiom "a mug's game" has its origins in British slang, where "mug" is a term for a gullible or easily deceived person. "A mug's game" is used to describe an activity or endeavor that is considered foolish, unwise, or a waste of time, often due to the high likelihood of losing, being deceived, or experiencing unfavorable outcomes. It implies that engaging in such an activity is not a wise decision.

to roll the dice
fráze
uk flag
/ɹˈoʊl ðə dˈaɪs/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to rely on chance in doing something

What is the origin of the idiom "roll the dice" and when to use it?

The idiom "roll the dice" originates from the act of casting dice in games of chance, where the outcome is unpredictable and relies on luck. Figuratively, it is used to describe taking a risk or making a decision with uncertain outcomes, often implying a willingness to accept the consequences, whether positive or negative.

to play with fire
fráze
uk flag
/plˈeɪ wɪð fˈaɪɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to do something dangerous, risky, or foolish

What is the origin of the idiom "play with fire" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "play with fire" can be traced back to the literal act of handling or interacting with fire, which is inherently risky and dangerous. Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a figurative expression used to describe engaging in risky or reckless behavior with full awareness of the potential negative consequences.

to have a death wish
fráze
uk flag
/hæv ɐ dˈɛθ wˈɪʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to behave in a way that is risky, dangerous, or reckless

What is the origin of the idiom "have a death wish" and when to use it?

The idiom "have a death wish" originates from the idea that someone exhibits reckless or self-destructive behavior, as if they actively desire to face life-threatening situations or harm themselves. It is a figurative expression used to describe individuals who engage in dangerous activities without apparent concern for their own safety or well-being.

to ask for trouble
fráze
uk flag
/ˈæsk fɔːɹ tɹˈʌbəl/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to do something that is very likely to result in trouble or difficulty

What is the origin of the idiom "ask for trouble" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "ask for trouble" is not well-documented, but it is a common idiom in the English language that likely developed over time to describe situations where individuals intentionally or unintentionally create problems or difficulties for themselves.

to be cruising for a bruising
fráze
uk flag
/biː kɹˈuːzɪŋ fɚɹə bɹˈuːzɪŋ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to knowingly do what can get one into trouble

What is the origin of the idiom "be cruising for a bruising" and when to use it?

This idiomatic expression "be cruising for a bruising" likely originated in the mid-20th century, and it conveys a warning or prediction of trouble or harm. The phrase is used to suggest a sense of impending trouble, emphasizing that the person's actions or attitude are provocative or risky.

to live on the edge
fráze
uk flag
/lˈaɪv ɑːnðɪ ˈɛdʒ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to have a life that involves one facing a lot of danger and taking great risks

What is the origin of the idiom "live on the edge" and when to use it?

The idiom "live on the edge" likely originated from the idea of taking risks, living a life filled with excitement, and not adhering to conventional norms or safety. It is used to imply living in a daring or adventurous manner, often with a disregard for potential consequences.

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