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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Go out on a limb

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To take a risk.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I’ll go out on a limb and say they’ll win the championship.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

I’ll ________ and say they’ll win the championship.
Show the answer

Go out on a limb — To take a risk.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Go out on a limb” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To take a risk.

Compare: I’ll go out on a limb and say they’ll win the championship.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

How to use this expression

The phrase often describes taking a personal risk by supporting someone, expressing an unpopular opinion or making a prediction. It need not involve physical danger. “Go out on a limb for someone” emphasizes support.

More examples

My teacher went out on a limb for me when she recommended my unusual project.

I’ll go out on a limb and predict that the smaller team will win.

Check your understanding

Does recommending a risky idea to colleagues fit this expression?

Answer: Yes. The risk can concern reputation or being proved wrong.

Whose reputation is at risk?

A manager recommends a new speaker despite colleagues’ doubts. “I’m going out on a limb for her,” the manager says.

Think it through: What does “for her” add to the expression?

Check the explanation

It identifies the person being supported. The manager risks their own reputation by making the recommendation. Without “for her”, “go out on a limb” could instead describe making a bold prediction or taking another personal risk.

Your turn: Finish: “I went out on a limb for ___ when I ___.” Use a fictional low-stakes situation.

Compare expressions: Risk and decisions

Taking a personal risk is different from ignoring caution or accepting the result of an action. Compare the speaker’s attitude before choosing an expression.

Try the situation question and check your answer →

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