Etymology Journal ยท O
Out on a limb
Meaning
- Taking a risk by expressing a controversial opinion or committing to an uncertain action. You are putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
Vulnerable, brave
Used in a sentence
- I am going out on a limb here, but I think we should cancel the whole project.
- He went out on a limb to support my application, so I cannot let him down.
- You are going out on a limb by predicting those sales figures.
The backstory
This is a metaphor from climbing trees. If you go too far out on a limb, it might break and you will fall.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check