risk (redirected from risks)

*at risk

in a situation where there is risk or hazard; in danger. (*Typically: be ~; put someone or something ~.) I refuse to put my family's welfare at risk by quitting my job. Your whole future is at risk if you don't stop smoking.

risk something on someone or something

to chance losing something on someone or something. I wouldn't risk any money on him. He's a poor credit risk. Don't risk your life on his being there to help you.

risk of rain and risk of showers; risk of thunder(-storms)

a chance of precipitation. (Used only in weather forecasting. There is no "risk" of hazard or injury involved.) And for tomorrow, there is a slight risk of showers in the morning. There is a 50 percent risk of rain tonight.

See also: rain

risk one's neck (to do something)

Fig. to accept the risk of physical harm in order to accomplish something. Look at that traffic! I refuse to risk my neck just to cross the street to buy a paper. I refuse to risk my neck at all.

See also: neck

run a risk (of something) and run the risk (of something)

to take a chance that something (bad) will happen. I don't want to run the risk of losing my job. Don't worry. You won't have to run a risk.

See also: run

take a chance and take a risk

to try something where failure or bad fortune is likely. Come on, take a chance. You may lose, but it's worth trying. I'm not reckless, but I don't mind taking a risk now and then.

See also: chance, take

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risk your neck

to do something very dangerous I'm not going to risk my neck climbing over a twenty-foot wall!

See also: neck

risk life and limb

to do something very dangerous where you might get hurt These skiers risk life and limb every day for the thrill of speed.

See also: and, life, limb

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risk your neck

to do something dangerous We risked our necks to rescue you and all you can say is “Gee whiz”?

See also: neck

run the risk (of doing something)

to make possible a particular result When doctors fail to follow government guidelines, they run the risk of being sued by their patients.

Usage notes: sometimes followed by a clause beginning with that: By giving students more freedom, we run the risk that sometimes they will fail.

See also: run