play Russian roulette

play Russian roulette

to take big risks, in a way which is very dangerous. I'm not willing to play Russian roulette with people's lives by drinking and driving. (often + with)

See also: play

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play Russian roulette

to take foolish and dangerous risks. She accused the hospital of playing Russian roulette with the health of poor children.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of Russian roulette (= a dangerous game of chance in which you hold a gun containing one bullet to your head and shoot, winning if the bullet does not come out)

See also: play