Risk Life and Limb, to 🛡️
To take a serious chance; to jeopardize one’s life. This extravagant hyperbole for courting danger has been around since the seventeenth century, even though strictly speaking it makes little sense (life, after all, comprises one’s limbs as well). “The Turk meddles not with life and limb,” wrote James Howell in a letter (1623), and Thomas Burton’s diary entry of 1658 states, “They venture life and member.”
Similar and Related Terms
- Put everything on the line Just like a daredevil stockbroker shorting an unproven tech stock.
- Take a leap of faith Sounds way more religious but equally life-threatening.
- Put oneself in harm’s way Because why live if you can tiptoe around landmines of fate?
- Bet the farm For those with a penchant for high-stakes agrarian dramas.
Synonyms
- Brave
- Dare
- Hazard
- Stake yourself
Antonyms
- Protect
- Safeguard
- Shelter
- Carefulness
Proverbs & Sayings
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“Faint heart never won fair lady.” Knights never got dates by sitting around in castles.
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“He who dares, wins.” Now we’re talking SAS-level grit.
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“Fortune favors the bold.” And, consequentially, the temporarily hospitalized.
Humorous Quote
“Why risk life and limb when you can just chill and watch Netflix? - Probably Your Mom”
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, & Movies
- Book: “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer — Mount Everest: where avalanches make dicey morning runs.
- Movie: “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark” — Hat and whip combos come with insurance hassles.
- Song: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen — open your eyes, look up to the skies… and perhaps reconsider.
- Poetry: “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley — this one will have you braving the perils of your morning commute.
Quiz Time! 🧠💡
“Life was meant for great adventures and new beginnings. Dare to take the risk, and who knows? You might just emerge victorious.”
Penelope Dauntless, 2023-10-02
