Danger - Posing a Risk

Explore English idioms that relate to posing a risk with examples like "a roll of the dice" and "swim with sharks".

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Danger
to [walk|tread] a tightrope
to [walk|tread] a tightrope [phrase]

to be in a situation where one has to be careful about every decision they make because even one mistake can pose a great risk

Ex: The CEO had to walk a tightrope when announcing layoffs , trying to maintain employee morale while addressing budget constraints .
a roll of the dice
a roll of the dice [phrase]

used for referring to a risky action that may fail or succeed

Ex: In the world of startups , the outcome can often be a roll of the dice , with many variables affecting success .
house of cards
house of cards [phrase]

a situation, plan, system, etc. that is not stable enough to continue succeeding and can easily fail or get out of control

Ex: Their relationship was built on lies and deceit , resembling a house of cards waiting to crumble under the weight of the truth .
thrills and (spills|chills)
thrills and (spills|chills) [phrase]

the kind of excitement that comes from engaging in activities that are dangerous

Ex: Working in the entertainment industry can be a roller coaster ride with its thrills and spills , where one day you 're on top , and the next day you face challenges .
dangerous (ground|territory)
dangerous (ground|territory) [phrase]

a situation in which someone's words or actions must be chosen carefully or else they may cause serious problems

Ex: Venturing into the realm of online debates can be dangerous territory , as people 's opinions can be strongly polarized .
to [hang] by a (thread|hair)
to [hang] by a (thread|hair) [phrase]

to be in a state or situation so critical that even a minor mistake can lead to a failure or disaster

Ex: After the economic crisis , the company 's survival seemed to be hanging by a hair , but it managed to recover .
in the fast lane
in the fast lane [phrase]

in a way that involves danger yet is full of excitement and adventure

Ex: She chose a career as a wildlife biologist , working with dangerous animals in remote locations , always in the fast lane of exploration and discovery .
touch and go
touch and go [phrase]

involving risk and uncertainty

Ex: The negotiations with the rival company were touch and go , with both sides hesitant to compromise .
on a razor's edge
on a razor's edge [phrase]

in a very critical situation where the outcome is uncertain and any sort of mistake can lead to serious consequences

Ex: After the team 's star player was injured , their chances of winning the championship were on a razor 's edge .
on a knife-edge
on a knife-edge [phrase]

in a very dangerous or difficult situation in which a small change can lead to a failure

Ex: After the unexpected turn of events , the company 's financial stability was on a knife-edge , and a strategic decision had to be made quickly .
bear garden
bear garden [noun]

a place or situation marked by confusion or chaos

Ex: Trying to manage the overcrowded and understaffed emergency room during a crisis felt like working in a bear garden for the doctors and nurses .
to [lie] in wait
to [lie] in wait [phrase]

to secretly wait for the right time to catch or attack an enemy or prey

Ex: The detective decided to lie in wait for the suspect , hoping to catch them in the act .
leap of faith
leap of faith [phrase]

an action that involves taking the risk to believe or trust something that may not be true or reliable

Ex: She took a leap of faith and decided to move to a foreign country for a job opportunity .
to [lay] {sth} on the line
to [lay] {sth} on the line [phrase]

to put something valuable or important at risk, often with the intention of assisting or helping someone

Ex: The politician was willing to lay his political future on the line to champion a controversial but necessary policy .
to [run] the risk of {sth}
to [run] the risk of {sth} [phrase]

to be in or to get oneself into a situation that may result in an unpleasant or dangerous outcome

Ex: Smoking cigarettes runs the risk of various health problems , including lung cancer and heart disease .
in harm's way
in harm's way [phrase]

in a situation where there is potential danger or risk to one's safety or well-being

Ex: Soldiers on the front lines are always in harm 's way , facing the constant threat of enemy attacks .
to [spell] disaster
to [spell] disaster [phrase]

to predict a severe, harmful or catastrophic event or outcome

Ex: The captain knew that the approaching storm spelled disaster for their ship .
Danger
Cautiousness Posing a Risk Out of Danger Taking Too Much Risk
Danger & Threat Asking for Trouble Conflict & War Violence
Death