risk one's neck
Court grave danger
To risk one's neck is to put oneself in danger, especially by doing something bold or reckless.
The image is of exposing one's throat—a vulnerable spot—to harm.
She risked her neck climbing out on the ledge to rescue the cat.
The phrase often implies the danger is undertaken for someone else's benefit or for a cause.
- braveryBoldness before danger
- perilSerious threat of harm
- life or deathMaximally high stakes
- foolhardinessReckless bravery, unwise daring
- hazardSource of potential harm
selflessness · martyrdom · edge · close call · narrow escape · impulsiveness · jeopardy · on the line · repercussions · daring · audacity · do or die · leap of faith · stunt · valor · fallout · fortitude · heroism
risk one's neckplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
keep one's head down · err on the side of caution · cover one's back · lie low · keep a low profile
risk one's neckerr on the side of caution
Prefer safety over risk
hedge one's bets · tread carefully · watch one's step · proceed with caution · sit on the fence
risk one's neckwash one's hands of
Renounce all responsibility for
keep one's distance · hang back · chicken out · cop out · look out for number one
risk, risks, risked, risking, risky, riskier, riskiest, riskiness, ones