create a hostage to fortune
To do or say something that could jeopardize future success or cause misfortune later on. With the economy at such a precarious level at the moment, the president made it clear that he would take no action that would create a hostage to fortune. A company that publicly supports an unpopular political stance often creates a hostage to fortune. Don't make any promises on the campaign trail that could create a hostage to fortune for you down the line.
give hostages to fortune
To do or say something that could jeopardize future success or cause misfortune later on. With the economy at such a precarious level at the moment, the president made it clear that he would take no action that would give hostages to fortune. A company that publicly supports an unpopular political stance often gives hostages to fortune. Don't make any promises on the campaign trail that could give hostages to fortune down the line.
hold (one) hostage
To keep one somewhere without their permission or consent, as in a robbery or similar situation. Yeah, but if the bank robbers start holding civilians hostage, we'll have a much bigger crisis on our hands. Once he revealed he had a gun on him, I knew he would either hold me hostage or kill me. They were holding me hostage—how exactly was I supposed to fight my way out?
hostage to fortune
An act or situation that could create future problems. A company that publicly supports an unpopular political stance often creates a hostage to fortune. With the economy at such a precarious level at the moment, the president made it clear that he would take no action that would create a hostage to fortune. Don't make any promises on the campaign trail that could create a hostage to fortune for you down the line.
take hostage
1. To hold someone captive and threaten violence to them in order to prevent another party (e.g. the police) from using force or in order to create leverage so that another party will agree to meet some demand. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "hostage." The bank robber took several people hostage in order to negotiate a means of escape with the police. The criminals have taken hostage the daughter of a prominent businesswoman.
2. To assume constraining, limiting control over something in order create leverage to achieve something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "hostage." The political party has taken the funding bill hostage so it can push through its controversial agenda. It just feels like the company is taking our job security hostage to make us work unreasonable hours.
take hostages
To hold people captive and threaten violence to them in order to prevent another party (e.g. the police) from using force or in order to create leverage so that another party will agree to meet some demand. Police are not sure yet whether the criminals have taken any hostages. We might get a year or two in prison for robbing the joint, but they're going to throw us away for a long time if we start taking hostages.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
hold someone hostage
to keep someone as a hostage. The terrorists planned to hold everyone hostage in the airplane. My neighbor was held hostage in his own home by a robber.
take someone hostage
to kidnap or seize someone to be a hostage. The terrorists planned to take the ambassador hostage. The entire family was taken hostage by the robber.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
a hostage to fortune
mainly BRITISHIf someone or something is a hostage to fortune, they have created a situation where bad things may happen to them in the future. Charles had already made himself a hostage to fortune by declaring that 30 was a suitable age to settle down. The proposals were regarded by some as a dangerous hostage to fortune. Note: You can also say that someone gives a hostage to fortune or creates a hostage to fortune if they do something that may cause trouble in the future. Despite persistent questioning, he gave no hostages to fortune in the form of a timetable. Note: Other verbs may be used instead of give or create. By opting for the best, the council recognises that it may have handed a hostage to fortune. Many departments may find it difficult to achieve the new standards that have been set for them. Note: This expression comes from an essay by Francis Bacon, `Of Marriage and Single Life' (1625): `He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune.'
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012