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Glite Dictionary
to run with scissors

to run with scissors

8.5
To act in a risky way without thinking about the bad results
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : hacer locuras
  • Yeah, don't run with scissors.

Examples

  • Parents often warn their kids not to run with scissors to prevent accidents.

  • I learned the hard way that you shouldn't run with scissors in a crowded room.

  • It's unsafe to run with scissors near other children.

Synonyms

to play with fire
vsto run with scissors
  • Informal
22 5.8

To take a big risk that can cause harm

is reckless risk taking that ignores possible consequences
to throw caution to the wind
vsto run with scissors
  • Informal
7 7.3

Do something without worrying about the risks

is often less deliberate in dismissing risks and more careless
to play fast and loose
vsto run with scissors
  • Informal
6 8.0

Act in a careless way by ignoring rules and other people's feelings

is about hazardous actions focused on physical risk rather than rule breaking
to skate on thin ice
vsto run with scissors
  • Informal
1 6.8

To take a risk that can get you in trouble

is more openly dangerous and ignores consequences
to walk on a razor's edge
vsto run with scissors
  • Informal
8.6

To be in a very dangerous situation where a small mistake causes big harm

focuses on being in danger rather than choosing dangerous acts

Antonyms

to play it safe
42 3.4

Choose a careful option to avoid risks

How Reckless

to run with scissors
  • Informal
8.5
careless
14 1.0
to be careful
979 1.0

Surface Forms

run with scissors infinitive
ran with scissors past
run with scissors past participle
running with scissors present participle
runs with scissors third person singular

Morphology

run + with + scissors

The phrase describes the literal action of running while holding scissors, and the danger implied is directly predictable from combining 'run' + 'with' + 'scissors'. This is a common admonition (not a metaphorical idiom) in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the warning and the extended sense 'don't behave recklessly'.

Etymology

The idiom run with scissors comes from the picture of a child holding sharp scissors and running, which can easily lead to a bad cut. So now the phrase means 'to act in a dangerous or careless way without thinking about the possible harm'.