Idiom
go out on a limb
Meanings
To take a risk by stating an opinion or making a judgment without strong evidence or support from others.
To act independently in a risky situation, accepting possible negative consequences.
Definition
To go out on a limb means to take a risk by expressing an opinion or doing something without much support.
If you go out on a limb, you take a chance by saying what you think or making a decision when you are not sure others will agree. It often suggests you might be criticized or proven wrong. The phrase emphasizes acting with limited safety or support, like being far from the trunk of a tree.
Examples
- I’ll go out on a limb and say the project will finish early.
- She went out on a limb to defend her teammate during the review.
- I’m going out on a limb, but I think the market will bounce back next month.
- Don’t go out on a limb unless you’re ready to explain your reasons.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition (e.g., “go out in a limb” instead of “go out on a limb”).
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.