running with scissors
Reckless blade carrying
Running with scissors is reckless behavior, especially the kind children are warned against.
The literal act—dashing around holding pointed blades—serves as a stand-in for any foolish risk-taking: Starting a business with no savings is like running with scissors.
The phrase often carries a tone of mild, almost nostalgic danger rather than genuine peril.
- jeopardyRisk of harm
- imperilPut in danger
- dangerousApt to cause harm
- riskyInvolving possible harm
- hazardSource of potential harm
accidents · accident waiting to happen · recklessness · cautionary tales · impulsivity · heedlessness · clumsiness · thrill-seeking · playing with fire · overconfidence · skating on thin ice · adrenaline rush · pushing the envelope · live on the edge · daredevil stunts · childhood · rebelliousness · rolling the dice
running with scissorsplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · safety first · better safe than sorry · risk aversion · hedging one's bets