Go out on a limb

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Meaning

To take a bold risk or stand alone, venturing into uncertainty.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to tree; climbing-out on a limb risked a fall, slang by 1890s for daring. An 1897 'New York Times' uses it for a wild bet.

Variants

  • Out on a limb

Usage Examples

  • I'll go out on a limb and say she'll win.
  • He went out on a limb to defend his odd plan.
  • She's out on a limb helping him; no one else will.

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