goes out on a limb
Ventures bold guesses
To go out on a limb is to take a risk by saying or doing something that lacks certain support—venturing an opinion that might be wrong, or taking a position others may not share.
The image is of climbing a tree branch that grows thinner and might break: I'll go out on a limb and predict she wins.
Often signals that what follows is speculation or an unpopular view.
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
- bold moveAudacious action with risk
- braveryBoldness before danger
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- calculated riskHazard taken deliberately
leap of faith · creativity · choice · openness · audacity · precariousness · exposure · uncharted territory · susceptibility · defenselessness · leap · judgment · originality · speculation · uncertainty · venture · daring · taking chances
goes out on a limbhedges one's bets
Protects against total loss
errs on the side of caution · keeps one's options open · sits on the fence · keeps a low profile · holds back
goes out on a limbfollows the crowd
Adopts popular behavior
goes with the flow · toes the line · falls in line · keeps one's head down · conforms
goes, outing, outward, outwards, outermost, limb, limbs, limbed