cruising for a bruising
Seeking painful consequences
Cruising for a bruising means heading toward trouble through reckless or provocative behavior—inviting a beating, whether literal or figurative.
The rhyme gives it a playful, warning tone: Keep talking like that and you're cruising for a bruising.
Often used as a mild threat or caution that someone's actions will have consequences.
- cautionedGave a warning
- asking for troubleBehaving in risky ways
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
- playing with fireEngaging in reckless behavior
- living dangerouslyEmbracing hazardous choices
courting disaster · punishment · retaliation · skating on thin ice · walking the line · arrogance · tempting fate · overconfidence · pushing one's luck · testing limits · stirring the pot · antagonism · poking the bear · defiance · impulsiveness · backlash · trouble · confrontation
cruising for a bruisingplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · hedging one's bets · toeing the line · keeping a low profile · flying under the radar
cruising for a bruisingkeeping the peace
Maintaining order and calm
making nice · letting sleeping dogs lie · building bridges · biting one's tongue · backing down
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