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Out on a Limb

In a difficult position, in vulnerable position

Etymology:

  • This idiom is from America and dates back to the end of 19th century. The hunting of animals from the woods was considered a hoppy back then. The idiom might have come from the situation that the animal to be hunted could have climbed on a tree but the leg stuck. This made an easy target for the hunter. With the passage of time the idiom expanded to count for any person who takes the risk to get into more difficulty.
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She went out on a limb as she criticized the boss.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Out on a Limb':

out on a limbin a precarious position
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    "Out on a Limb." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/out-on-a-limb_44922>.

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