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Glite Dictionary
out on a limb

out on a limb

54 7.0
In a risky position without support from others
  • idiom
  • Informal
: arriesgarse
  • On the third attempt, my family went out on a limb to make the dream come true.
  • go out on a limb

It's easier to put yourself out on a limb if you're younger.

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Examples

  • Do you really think this is the time to go out on a limb?

    Fiction book (1998)

  • Thank you for going out on a limb and allowing me one.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • Looks like you went out on a limb.

    Showtime (2002)

  • I went out on a limb.

    Fracture (2007)

  • But my wife went out on a limb for you.

    King Neptune (1932)

  • OK, I'm going out on a limb here for my guess.

  • But I'll go out on a limb and say for the most part, the systems that we construct are very reliable.

  • Because if I'm gonna go out on a limb for you, you gotta know what's involved.

    Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

  • - I went out on a limb for you, Paula.

    Paula & Jeff (2018)

  • He went out on a limb by proposing a radical change to the project, leaving himself without support.

Synonyms

on the ropes
vsout on a limb
  • Informal
21 7.7

Very close to failure or defeat with little chance to recover

describes being exposed and unsupported rather than already near collapse
hanging by a thread
vsout on a limb
  • Informal
19 7.3

In a very risky situation where failure can happen at any moment

expresses vulnerability broadly rather than imminent collapse
over a barrel
vsout on a limb
  • Informal
10 7.9

Helpless and unable to act because someone else is in control

highlights risk and lack of support rather than purely being controlled
in the lurch
vsout on a limb
  • Informal
2 8.2

Left without help at an important time

focuses more on exposure to risk rather than only abandonment
on the high rope
vsout on a limb
  • US
1 9.5

In a risky situation that could end badly

covers risk and exposure but is less about dramatic consequences

Antonyms

secure
154 3.6

Feeling confident and free from worry or doubt

supported
76 2.0

Given money or help by others

How Risky

high-risk
148 4.4
precarious
46 7.6
out on a limb
  • Informal
54 7.0
vulnerable
590 4.0

Surface Forms

out on a limb positive

Morphology

out + on + a + limb

The meaning is clearly motivated by the literal image of being 'out on a limb' (standing on a tree branch), which maps onto being in a precarious or risky position, so a learner who knows 'out', 'on' and 'limb' can plausibly infer the metaphorical sense. However, this mapping requires a metaphorical inference and knowledge of the relevant sense of 'limb', so the relation is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

Out on a limb The idiom may come from the picture of someone standing on a thin tree limb, far from the strong trunk and with little support. So, to be out on a limb means to be 'in a risky position' or 'without support'.