limb (redirected from tearing limb from limb)

*out on a limb 

1. Lit. out on a limb of a tree where it is dangerous. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.) It's okay to climb the tree, but don't go out on a limb and fall off.

2. Fig. in a dangerous position to do something; at risk. (*Typically: be ~; go ~; put someone ~.) I don't want to go out on a limb, but I think we can afford to do it. If I had to go out on a limb, I would say that it will be a month before your merchandise will be delivered.

See also: out

tear (someone or some animal) limb from limb

to rip someone or an animal to bits. The explosion tore the workers limb from limb. The crocodiles attacked the wading zebras and tore them limb from limb.

See also: tear

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be out on a limb

alone and lacking support from other people Because we're geographically so far removed from the main office, we do sometimes feel as if we're out on a limb.

See also: out

go out on a limb

if you go out on a limb, you state an opinion or you do something which is very different to most other people I don't think we're going out on a limb in claiming that global warming is a problem that must be addressed. Rob Thompson, the producer, admits the series is going out on a limb in that it is quite different to anything else currently on television.

See tear limb from limb

See also: out

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, risk

tear somebody limb from limb

to attack someone violently I'm sure if she got hold of the guy she'd tear him limb from limb.

See also: tear

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life and limb

continued existence or serious injury These skiers risk life and limb every day for the thrill of a super-fast downhill run. The storms across the west are posing a threat to life and limb.

Usage notes: used when talking about situations in which someone could die or be injured, as in the examples

See also: and, life

out on a limb

in a situation where you lack support He was pretty far out on a limb when he predicted the future of the industry two years ago.

Usage notes: often used with go: I'll go out on a limb and pick the Panthers to win on Sunday.

See also: out

tear somebody limb from limb

to attack someone violently I'm sure she'd tear the guy limb from limb for what he's done.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of tear someone limb from limb (to pull someone's arms and legs off)

See also: tear