PhrasesHub

leap in the dark

    Definitions

      • take a risk
        To do something without knowing what the result will be, often taking a chance or risking failure

      • make a hasty decision
        To make a decision without having all the necessary information, often resulting in a potentially dangerous or unwise choice

    Examples of leap in the dark

    • She took a leap in the dark and decided to start her own business.

      This means that she made a bold and risky decision without knowing the exact outcome or consequences. It is like taking a step into the unknown, just as leaping into the dark would be. In this example, she is leaving the security of her current job to start her own business, which is a significant and uncertain move.

    • After losing his job, he felt like he was leaping in the dark when applying for new positions.

      This use of the idiom highlights the uncertainty and fear that comes with making decisions during difficult circumstances. In this scenario, he is unsure of which job to apply for, what the hiring process will be like, or whether he will succeed in his new position. This can be a scary and uncomfortable situation, much like leaping into the dark without being able to see what lies ahead.

    • He proposed to her, taking a leap in the dark as he had only known her for a few months.

      This example shows the idiom being used to describe a bold and uncertain decision that involves love and relationships. In this instance, he is proposing marriage to someone he has only known for a short time, which is an unconventional and risky choice. This can be a daunting and nerve-wracking prospect, much like leaping into the dark where the outcome is uncertain.

    • The artist felt like she was leaping in the dark as she embarked on her most ambitious project yet.

      This use of the idiom illustrates the feeling of uncertainty and risk that comes with tackling a challenging and complex task. In this scenario, she is tackling her biggest and most ambitious project yet, which is a significant and uncertain undertaking. She is not entirely sure what the project will entail, what obstacles she will face, or how it will all turn out. This can be a scary and thrilling experience, much like leaping into the dark without knowing the outcome.

    • Sarah decided to quit her stable job and start her own business, taking a leap in the dark with her career.

      In this example, Sarah is making a significant and uncertain move by leaving her current job and starting her own business, which is often seen as a risky decision. The idiom "leap in the dark" is used to convey the idea of taking a bold and uncertain action, where the outcome is unknown or uncertain.

    • After their breakup, Tom moved to a foreign country and immersed himself in a new culture, taking a leap in the dark in his personal life.

      In this example, Tom is leaving his comfort zone and familiar surroundings behind to experience something new and unfamiliar. The idiom "leap in the dark" highlights the element of uncertainty and risk that comes with embarking on a new and unknown path.

    • The doctor suggested a new experimental treatment for Jane's condition, warning her that it was a leap in the dark with no guarantees.

      In this example, Jane is considering an unproven and untested medical treatment for her health issue. The use of the idiom "leap in the dark" helps to emphasize the unknown risks and implications of the proposed treatment, which could potentially produce positive results or unfavorable consequences.

    • The organization launched a new advertising campaign with a completely new approach, taking a leap in the dark for their marketing strategy.

      In this example, the organization is implementing a novel marketing approach, which has not been tried before. The use of the idiom "leap in the dark" helps to convey the sense of uncertainty and risk associated with a new and untested marketing strategy, which could potentially yield positive results or unfavorable consequences.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "leap in the dark" is used to describe both taking a risk and making a hasty decision without knowing the outcome. It can be used to caution against acting without proper information or to acknowledge the bravery and daring of someone willing to take a chance.

    Origin of "leap in the dark"

    The origin of the idiom "leap in the dark" can be traced back to the 18th century, where it was used to describe a literal leap into darkness. It was often used in the context of navigating through unfamiliar territory or making a risky physical maneuver without being able to see the outcome. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more metaphorical meaning, representing the act of taking a risk or making a decision without knowing what the result will be. The idiom has since become a common expression in English to caution against hasty decisions or to acknowledge the bravery of taking a leap of faith.