Danger - 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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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 my career, I've often been the one who bells the cat, taking on challenging projects others were hesitant to tackle.

leap in the dark

[phrase]

a risk or brave act taken without considering the consequences

Ex: Starting a new business is a leap in the dark, as success is never guaranteed.

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

[phrase]

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

Ex: His frequent late arrivals at work sail close to the wind of the company's punctuality policy.

a mug's game

[phrase]

an action that is not beneficial to one in any way

Ex: Betting all your money on a lottery ticket is often seen as a mug's game, as the odds of winning are extremely low.

to roll the dice

[phrase]

to rely on chance in doing something

Ex: I rolled the dice on a tool brand I haven't used before. So far, it's working out well.

to play with fire

[phrase]

to do something dangerous, risky, or foolish

Ex: Texting while driving is a dangerous habit, akin to playing with fire on the road.

to have a death wish

[phrase]

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

Ex: No one can see you walking along this busy street in the dark! Do you have a death wish or something?

to ask for trouble

[phrase]

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

Ex: Driving without a seatbelt is like asking for trouble; it's dangerous and against the law.

to be cruising for a bruising

[phrase]

to knowingly do what can get one into trouble

Ex: Unless you've got your stuff together then you're cruising for a bruising

to live on the edge

[phrase]

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

Ex: He's the kind of person who loves to live on the edge, constantly seeking new adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Danger
Cautiousness	Posing a Risk	Out of Danger	Taking Too Much Risk
Danger & Threat	Asking for Trouble	Conflict & War	Violence
Death

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