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to leap into the unknown

to leap into the unknown

1 7.3
To do something risky without knowing what will happen
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : dar un salto al vacío
  • When we leap into the unknown, we prove we are free.

Examples

  • When you leap into the unknown, you prove that you are free.

  • We have to take a leap into the unknown where we say what if it was such and such like the cosmological polytope.

  • When we leap into the unknown, we prove we are free.

  • When we leap into the unknown, we prove we are free.

  • When we leap into the unknown, we prove we are free.

  • When we leap into the unknown, we prove that we are free.

  • You're about to leave this place and take a leap into the unknown, and that is the most fun thing to do in life.

  • I, I, I don't think that there will be regret at taking that leap into the unknown, but I think there perhaps will be regret if you don't.

  • She decided to leap into the unknown by starting her own business despite her fears.

  • After years of stability, he chose to leap into the unknown and travel the world.

Synonyms

to venture
vsto leap into the unknown
114 5.8

To go somewhere or do something that is risky

overlaps but the key stresses entering without knowledge of outcome
to take a chance
vsto leap into the unknown
91 3.3

To do something risky hoping for a good result

is alike but focuses more on entering without knowing consequences
to take risks
vsto leap into the unknown
56 3.2

Do things that might be dangerous to get something important

is the same idea but highlights acting without knowing results
to go out on a limb
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
37 6.1

To risk doing or saying something to support an idea

is similar but emphasizes stepping into unknown outcomes rather than support
to take chances
vsto leap into the unknown
36 3.8

Do something risky hoping to do well

matches but the key stresses venturing without knowing outcomes
to take the plunge
vsto leap into the unknown
18 5.5

Decide to do something difficult or risky after thinking about it for a long time

differs by focusing on action taken without prior planning or certainty
to take a leap
vsto leap into the unknown
11 5.7

Make a brave decision even when it feels risky

is similar but puts stronger emphasis on the unknown outcome
to throw caution to the wind
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
7 7.3

Do something without worrying about the risks

still highlights taking action despite not knowing what will happen
to take one's chance
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
4 4.2

Try a risky action hoping it will work

overlaps but the key stresses entering without knowledge of consequences
to boldly go where no one has gone before
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
3 8.9

To try something new in a place or way no one has done before

is alike but stresses the lack of knowledge about what will happen
to venture forth
vsto leap into the unknown
3 6.2

To go somewhere or do something even when it is risky

is similar but points more to entering an unknown situation
to run a risk
vsto leap into the unknown
2 3.0

To do something that might lead to harm or loss

is related but centers on acting without knowing the eventual outcome
to walk on the wild side
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
1 8.2

To do risky, adventurous things outside your usual life

shares risk but focuses specifically on acting without knowing results
to take a flyer
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
1 8.5

To try something risky when the result is not certain

is close but stresses acting without knowing what will occur
to jump into the deep end
vsto leap into the unknown
  • Informal
1 7.8

Start a difficult task without much preparation or experience

does the same but especially stresses not knowing the outcome
to jump headlong
vsto leap into the unknown
1 7.3

To start something quickly without thinking about the risks

is similar but focuses more on complete uncertainty about results
to adventure
vsto leap into the unknown
5.8

To risk something valuable hoping to get a good result

is close but focuses on stepping into outcomes one cannot predict

Antonyms

to stay put
  • Informal
133 2.0

Remain in the same place without moving

Choose a careful option to avoid risks

How Risky

to go all in
  • Informal
15 5.2
to leap into the unknown
  • Informal
1 7.3
to take risks
56 3.2
to dive in
  • Informal
23 3.7
to try out
229 2.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

leap + into + the + unknown

The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'leap' (to jump), 'into' (movement/change toward), and 'unknown' (unfamiliar territory), so the image of jumping into something unknown straightforwardly maps to doing something risky or uncertain. This metaphorical use is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the component words would very likely infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The idiom leap into the unknown paints a picture of standing on safe ground and making a sudden leap into dark fog where you cannot see what is ahead, the unknown. That's why it means 'to do something risky or uncertain without knowing what will happen'.