go out on a limb — to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡoʊ aʊt ɑːn ə lɪm/
Example Sentences
- My boss went out on a limb to defend me when I accidentally deleted all the company files.
- I'm going out on a limb here, but I think my cat might be secretly a genius.
- She decided to go out on a limb and start her own business despite having no experience.
go out on a limb
VERB[/ɡoʊ aʊt ɑːn ə lɪm/]
to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action
She decided to go out on a limb and pitch her wild startup idea.
Go out on a limb when chances are slim, even when the light grows dim!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from a literal physical scenario depicting the danger of venturing to the end of a tree branch. First documented in American English in the 1890s, the expression evolved from the concrete image of sitting precariously at the tip of a high branch—where the risk of falling is greatest—to the figurative meaning of taking on significant risk or responsibility.
Breakdown
go out (venture forth) + on (positioned upon) + a limb (tree branch). The metaphor transfers the physical danger of perching at a branch's end to the abstract notion of exposing oneself to peril through bold action.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss went out on a limb to defend me when I accidentally deleted all the company files.”
“I'm going out on a limb here, but I think my cat might be secretly a genius.”
“She decided to go out on a limb and start her own business despite having no experience.”
“The politician went out on a limb by supporting the controversial policy.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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