Idioms

go out on a limb

This page is about the idiom go out on a limb

Meaning

If you go out on a limb, you put yourself in a risky position in order to support someone or something.

For example

  • He knew it could damage his career, but Keith went out on a limb and said he supported the anti-war protesters.

  • I don't think that saying you support gay rights means you're going out on a limb these days.

Origin: Probably metaphorical, from the fact that if you're climbing a tree and you go too far out on a limb, you're taking a risk because the limb could break and you could fall to the ground and hurt yourself.

Quick Quiz

My sister said that I went out on a limb when I

a. climbed high in the tree

b. said murder was wrong

c. said killing animals for food is murder
a) climbed high in the tree b) said murder was wrong c) said killing animals for food is murder

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey