PhrasesHub

Hostage to fortune

    Definitions

      • being vulnerable to potential harm or misfortune
        Describing a situation where someone or something is at risk of suffering negative consequences or being exploited

      • being committed to a risky or uncertain situation
        Referring to being tied to a decision or course of action that may lead to unfavorable outcomes

    Examples of Hostage to fortune

    • The success of the new product launch will be a hostage to fortune if the company fails to meet the high expectations set by the media and industry experts.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation in which a person or entity's future success or reputation is at risk or vulnerable due to past or current achievements or statements. In this example, the success of the product launch is in the hands or control of fate or external factors, as the company's credibility and reputation are at stake if they fail to meet the high expectations set by the media and industry experts.

    • In her acceptance speech, the politician declared, "I will be a one-term president," which immediately made her a hostage to fortune.

      Here, the politician's statement has made her future career and re-election prospects uncertain and dependent on the outcome of her first term in office. By setting a short-term goal, she has put her future at risk or in the hands of fate or external factors.

    • The celebrity's sour and critical comments about his ex-partner in a recent interview have left him hostage to fortune, as she has now threatened to reveal some embarrassing personal secrets.

      In this example, the celebrity's statements have made him vulnerable and at risk of negative consequences, such as retaliation or damage to his reputation, as his ex-partner has made it clear that she is capable of retaliating by revealing some private secrets.

    • The athlete's impressive performance in the tournament has made him a hostage to fortune, as he is now under intense pressure to continue his winning streak.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation in which a person's future success or reputation is dependent on various external factors, in this case, the athlete's future success or winning streak is uncertain and under the control of fate or external factors, such as injuries or competition. Hence, his previous success makes him vulnerable and at risk until he achieves continued success.

    • The company's CEO made a bold prediction about the stock market, saying it was about to soar. This has placed the company in a hostage to fortune situation, as their success now hinges on the accuracy of the CEO's forecast.

      The idiom "hostage to fortune" in this context implies that the CEO's prediction has put the company's reputation and success at the mercy of external events, in this case, the performance of the stock market.

    • The politician's comments about his opponent's morality have left him in a hostage to fortune situation, as any new revelations about his own past actions could undermine his own credibility and reputation.

      In this example, the idiom is used in a more general context to mean that the politician's bold comments have placed his own reputation in a vulnerable position, where any missteps or new information could damage his political future.

    • The music executive's decision to sign a previously unknown artist to a multi-million dollar contract has placed the label in a hostage to fortune situation, as the success or failure of the artist will have a significant impact on the label's finances and reputation.

      Here, the idiom highlights the risks associated with making bold and high-profile decisions, as the outcome can often be unpredictable and potentially damaging if it goes wrong.

    • The charity's ambitious fundraising campaign has left them in a hostage to fortune situation, as they have set an ambitious target which will be difficult to meet without raising awareness and generating significant public support.

      In this final example, the idiom is used to describe situations where a high-risk strategy or target has been set, which will be difficult to achieve without significant external support and good fortune.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hostage to fortune" is used to convey the idea of being vulnerable to potential harm or misfortune, often due to being committed to a risky or uncertain situation. It can warn against the potential negative consequences of a particular decision or action, emphasizing the idea of being at the mercy of external factors that could lead to unfavorable outcomes.

    This idiom is commonly used in situations where someone or something is at risk of suffering negative consequences or being exploited, highlighting the precarious nature of the circumstances involved. It serves as a cautionary expression to advise against engaging in activities or decisions that may result in undesirable outcomes.

    Origin of "Hostage to fortune"

    The origin of the idiom "hostage to fortune" can be traced back to the writings of Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman. In his essay "Of Marriage and Single Life," Bacon used the phrase to describe the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with marriage. He likened the commitments and responsibilities of marriage to being akin to a hostage, subject to the uncertainties and potential misfortunes of life.

    The expression gained popularity over time and has come to be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone or something is vulnerable to potential harm or misfortune. Its origins in the context of marriage reflect the idea of being tied to a decision or commitment that may lead to unfavorable outcomes, emphasizing the notion of being at the mercy of external factors beyond one's control.