PhrasesHub

Out on a limb

    Definitions

      • in a risky or vulnerable position
        Express the idea of being in a situation where one is isolated, unsupported, or at risk

      • taking a bold or unpopular stance
        Describe someone who has taken a position that is not widely supported or accepted, often at personal risk

    Examples of Out on a limb

    • The entrepreneur decided to take a risk by investing in a startup that was still in the experimental phase. She knew that the success of the company was uncertain, but she believed in the idea and decided to go out on a limb.

      In this example, "going out on a limb" means taking a risk or making a bold move, even when the outcome is uncertain. The phrase "out on a limb" literally refers to being in a vulnerable position, such as a branch that extends from a tree and doesn't have much support. In figurative language, it's used to describe someone who puts themselves in a precarious situation by making a decision that goes against common sense or conventional wisdom. The entrepreneur in this example is willing to take a chance and potentially face failure, but she believes that the outcome will be successful.

    • The politician made a bold statement during the debate, claiming that his opponent was involved in a scandal. Some of his fellow politicians criticized him for going out on a limb and making an accusation without any evidence.

      In this example, "going out on a limb" is used to describe taking a risk by making a bold statement or accusation, even when there's no concrete evidence to back it up. The phrase is often used in reference to a person who's taking a chance, either because they're confident in their own judgment or because they feel that they're fighting for a cause that's worth the risk. In this case, the politician is making a statement that could potentially harm his opponent's reputation, but he believes that the truth is more important than keeping quiet.

    • The actor accepted the lead role in the low-budget indie film, even though it was a departure from his usual action-packed blockbusters. He knew that it would be a gamble, but he felt that it was a chance worth taking, and he hoped that it would help him challenge himself as an actor.

      In this example, "going out on a limb" means taking a risk or making a bold move, even when it's a departure from the norm. The actor in this example is beting on his own talent and skills, hoping that he can prove himself in a different genre of film. The phrase "going out on a limb" is used to describe someone who's taking a chance, either because they're confident in their own abilities or because they believe that the opportunity is worth the risk. In this case, the actor is stepping outside his comfort zone, hoping that it will lead to new opportunities and experiences.

    • The writer submitted her novel to dozens of literary agents, but she received rejection letters from all of them. After months of frustration, she finally found an agent who was interested in her work, but she knew that it would be a gamble. The agent had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and the writer wasn't sure if she was ready to go out on a limb and accept his offer.

      In this example, "going out on a limb" means taking a risk or accepting a challenge, even when it's uncertain or potentially dangerous. The writer in this example is considering signing with a difficult agent, despite the fact that she's uncertain about the outcome. The phrase "going out on a limb" is used to describe someone who's facing a potentially dangerous situation, either because they're confident in their own abilities or because they believe that the reward is worth the risk. In this case, the writer is weighing her options, trying to decide whether the potential benefits of working with the difficult agent are worth the risk.

    • The sales manager suggested a radical new marketing strategy, and the CEO agreed to implement it despite the fact that it was a risky move. The marketing team is now out on a limb, as the success of the strategy is uncertain.

      When one chooses to take a bold or daring action, particularly one that is untested or unproven, they are "out on a limb." This expression refers to the vulnerable position of a branch and its leaves that extend beyond the main trunk of a tree. These branches and leaves are at greater risk of damage from wind, rain, or other environmental factors than those that are closer to the trunk. By extending themselves in this way, they are out on a limb, and may be subjected to negative consequences. In the example above, the marketing team has put themselves in a position of uncertainty by implementing a bold new marketing strategy, and their success or failure is unclear. The expression "out on a limb" can be used to describe any situation in which one is taking a chance, a risk, or an unorthodox approach. It is often used to describe those who are innovative or forward-thinking, but who may also be seen as reckless or impulsive by others. If the strategy succeeds, then the marketing team will be hailed as visionaries; if it fails, they may be criticized for being foolish or reckless. The expression "out on a limb" emphasizes the risk involved in taking such an action, and the possibility of negative consequences. The use of the phrase highlights the potential danger and vulnerability of taking a risk, and can apply to a variety of situations, from making business decisions to taking interpersonal risks. In each case, being "out on a limb" involves extending oneself into uncharted territory, without the assurance of a positive outcome.

    • I'm out on a limb by proposing this unconventional marketing strategy to our clients.

      The phrase "out on a limb" is used to describe a situation where someone takes a risk or makes a bold move, particularly when there is no guarantee of success. In this example, the speaker acknowledges that their marketing strategy is unconventional and therefore carries a higher level of risk, but they are willing to take that risk and venture "out on a limb" in order to potentially achieve better results for their clients.

    • She's really out on a limb with that opinion.

      In this example, "out on a limb" is used to describe someone holding a strong and unpopular opinion or position, particularly when most others do not share that opinion. It conveys that the person is taking a risk by expressing this opinion, as they may face criticism or pushback from others.

    • The sales team is out on a limb due to the unexpected surge in consumer demand.

      Here, the phrase "out on a limb" is used to describe a situation where a group of people or organization is facing unexpected challenges, particularly those that put them in a difficult or precarious position. In this example, the sales team is facing an unexpected surge in consumer demand, which may be difficult to meet due to resource constraints, resulting in them being "out on a limb" in terms of their ability to meet these demands.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "out on a limb" is commonly used to convey the idea of being in a risky or vulnerable position. It can be used to warn someone about the potential consequences of their actions or to describe someone who has taken a bold or unpopular stance. In both cases, the idiom highlights the isolation and potential danger of the situation.

    The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, but it can also be used literally to describe someone who is physically in a precarious position, such as climbing a tree and being out on a limb. In either case, the idiom conveys a sense of risk and vulnerability.

    Origin of "Out on a limb"

    The origin of the idiom "out on a limb" is thought to come from the image of a person climbing a tree and venturing out onto a limb. This position is inherently risky and isolating, as the person is far from the support of the trunk and branches. The idiom likely originated from this literal image and was later adapted to convey a similar sense of risk and vulnerability in a figurative sense.

    The phrase has been used in English since at least the 19th century, and its meaning and usage have remained relatively consistent over time. It is a vivid and evocative idiom that effectively conveys the idea of being in a precarious or isolated position.