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: Faced with a difficult and risky decision, she decided to be the one to bell the cat and address the long-standing issue in the department.

leap in the dark

[phrase]

a risk or brave act taken without considering the consequences

Ex: In relationships, deciding to get married can often be a leap in the dark, as it involves an element of uncertainty about the future.

to push one's luck

[phrase]

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

Ex: She's agreed to help on Saturday, but I think I'd be pushing my luck if I asked her to be here the whole weekend.

to sail close to the wind

[phrase]

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

Ex: In politics, some politicians choose to sail close to the wind of public opinion, even if it means taking controversial positions.

a mug's game

[phrase]

an action that is not beneficial to one in any way

Ex: Falling for get-rich-quick schemes is a classic example of getting involved in a mug's game, as they often lead to financial losses.

to roll the dice

[phrase]

to rely on chance in doing something

Ex: When investing in the stock market, you're essentially rolling the dice, as market performance can be unpredictable.

to play with fire

[phrase]

to do something dangerous, risky, or foolish

Ex: He often plays with fire by investing in risky stocks.

to have a death wish

[phrase]

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

Ex: Venturing into that abandoned, structurally unsound building shows that he must have a death wish.

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 be cruising for a bruising

[phrase]

to knowingly do what can get one into trouble

Ex: Starting a fight with the biggest guy in the bar is like saying you're cruising for a bruising; it won't end well.

to live on the edge

[phrase]

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

Ex: Driving at such high speeds on icy roads is living on the edge; it's a recipe for disaster.

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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