English Idioms for "Asking for Trouble"

Discover how English idioms like "sail close to the wind" and "play with fire" relate to asking for trouble in English.

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Danger
to [bell] the cat
to [bell] the cat [phrase]

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

Ex: In the heated meeting , a junior employee volunteered to bell the cat by presenting a controversial idea to the management .
(leap|jump) in the dark
(leap|jump) in the dark [phrase]

a risk or brave act taken without considering the consequences

Ex: Entering a new market with a unique product can be seen as a jump in the dark , but it has the potential for great rewards .
to [push] {one's} luck
to [push] {one's} luck [phrase]

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

Ex: Has Tara finally pushed her luck too far ?
to [sail] close to the wind
to [sail] close to the wind [phrase]

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

Ex: When it comes to financial regulations , some investors prefer to sail close to the wind to maximize their profits .
a mug's game
a mug's game [phrase]

an action that is not beneficial to one in any way

Ex: Investing in a business venture with no solid plan is usually considered a mug 's game , as it involves a high risk of financial loss .
to [roll] the dice
to [roll] the dice [phrase]

to rely on chance in doing something

Ex: In relationships , you never know if it will work out , but sometimes you have to roll the dice and take a chance on love .
to [play] with fire
to [play] with fire [phrase]

to do something dangerous, risky, or foolish

Ex: I do n't want to see you play with fire when it comes to your health .
to [have] a death wish
to [have] a death wish [phrase]

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

Ex: Jumping off a cliff without a parachute is like having a death wish .
to [ask] for trouble
to [ask] for trouble [phrase]

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

Ex: Joining that contentious online debate and expressing strong opinions is a sure way to ask for trouble and confrontation with other users .
to [live] on the edge
to [live] on the edge [phrase]

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

Ex: She lives on the edge by participating in extreme sports like skydiving and rock climbing .
Danger
Cautiousness Posing a Risk Out of Danger Taking Too Much Risk
Danger & Threat Asking for Trouble Conflict & War Violence
Death