risk (one's) neck

To do something that might cause severe injury or death. Today we pay our respects to the brave men and women who risk their necks every day to keep our country safe. I'm sure it's thrilling, but I'd rather not risk my neck just for a bit of an adrenaline rush.

risk your neck

If you risk your neck, you do something dangerous which could cause you to die or be injured. I wasn't going to risk my neck in fast-flowing water to rescue a stupid cat. I won't have him risking his neck on that motorcycle.

risk your ˈneck

(informal) take a big risk by doing something dangerous, stupid, etc: I’m not going to risk my neck complaining about the boss. OPPOSITE: save somebody’s/your (own) neck/skin/hide

See also: neck, risk

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in classic literature

So they do--so they do, if you don't risk your neck every spring climbing up a light ladder to trim them out.

View in context

risk your neck climbing a skyscraper then take a selfie at the top.

Selfie-confidence

And if you want to drink deeply of the cup of life, where spillover runs down your chin, you'll risk your neck even more.

Should our freedoms be casualties, too?

And, yes, note to self, get there earlier and you won't risk your neck in the dark.

Completely in the dark about mornings at the movies

If, however, you risk your neck on the intensive Marine training schedule, expect to spend your nights navigating large expanses of soggy moorland.

Carol Vorderman internet column: www. soft.option

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