tempt (redirected from tempting fate)

tempt someone into something

to lure or seduce someone into something. Could I tempt you into going swimming? She would not be tempted into eating the rich and fattening cake.

tempt someone to do something

to entice someone to do something. You can't tempt me to eat any of that cake! I wasn't even tempted to go into town with the others.

tempt someone with something

to entice someone with something. Can I tempt you with a bit of chocolate cake? I was tempted with a free book if I sent in my name, but I decided against it.

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tempt fate/providence 

1. to do something which involves a risk and may cause something unpleasant to happen I always feel it's tempting fate to leave the house without an umbrella.

2. to cause bad luck for yourself by talking too confidently about a situation It's probably tempting fate to say so, but I haven't had a cold all year.

See also: fate

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tempt fate

to take a foolish risk because you are depending too much on luck She didn't want to tempt fate by turning down the job and hoping something better would be offered.

See also: fate