Danger Idioms

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ask for trouble

Meaning: To behave in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties.

Example: Ignoring repeated safety warnings is asking for trouble because accidents can easily happen. Read more ➺


babe in the woods

Meaning: A very innocent, inexperienced, or naive person.

Example: Emily was a babe in the woods when she joined the investment firm and knew almost nothing about the financial industry. Read more ➺


play with fire

Meaning: To do something risky that may cause serious trouble later.

Example: Mark was playing with fire when he kept hiding debts from his business partner. Read more ➺


the writing is on the wall

Meaning: A clear sign that something bad or unwanted is going to happen.

Example: After months of falling sales and major layoffs, the writing is on the wall for the struggling company. Read more ➺


paper tiger

Meaning: Something or someone that appears dangerous or powerful but is actually weak and ineffective.

Example: The dictator's military seemed formidable, but in battle it was only a paper tiger. Read more ➺


between Scylla and Charybdis

Meaning: Facing two dangerous options where avoiding one brings you closer to the other.

Example: The company was between Scylla and Charybdis: raise prices and lose customers, or keep them the same and face bankruptcy. Read more ➺


steer clear

Meaning: Avoid or stay away from something or someone, especially to prevent trouble or danger.

Example: I steered clear of the crowded market to enjoy a quieter trip. Read more ➺


sword of Damocles

Meaning: Represents a constant and looming threat of danger or disaster.

Example: Despite his fame and wealth, the sword of Damocles hung over the celebrity due to endless lawsuits. Read more ➺


sail close to the wind

Meaning: To engage in actions that are risky or verge on being illegal or improper.

Example: The journalist sailed close to the wind by publishing classified information but avoided legal action. Read more ➺


hang by a thread

Meaning: Be in a very dangerous situation or state; to be very close to death, failure, etc.

Example: The company's future is hanging by a thread after the recent financial crisis. Read more ➺


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