Danger Idioms

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touch and go

Meaning: precarious or delicate in nature, uncertain, and risky.

Example: The patient's condition was touch-and-go after the surgery. Read more ➺


out of the woods

Meaning: no longer in danger or difficulty.

Example: After months of uncertainty, the company is finally out of the woods and back on track. Read more ➺


wolf in sheep’s clothing

Meaning: deceptive appearance, like a dangerous person disguised as harmless.

Example: The new employee was a wolf in sheep's clothing, stealing company secrets. Read more ➺


safe and sound

Meaning: unharmed or uninjured.

Example: After the storm passed, we found our house still standing and our family safe and sound. Read more ➺


bell the cat

Meaning: do a dangerous job.

Example: Someone has to bell the cat and organize the office fundraiser, but so far, no one has volunteered. Read more ➺


live on the edge

Meaning: to lead an exciting or dangerous lifestyle.

Example: He's always been an adrenaline junkie and loves to live on the edge. Read more ➺


red flag

Meaning: a sign of a particular issue requiring attention.

Example: United, American, and Delta airlines suspended all flights to China. This was a red flag as the coronavirus wreaked havoc on the airline industry. Read more ➺


on the line

Meaning: to be at serious risk.

Example: Put your toes on the line and form up! Read more ➺


red zone

Meaning: any geographical area that is thought to be dangerous or threatening, usually as a consequence of political or military activity.

Example: The alley behind the schoolyard is effectively a "red zone," since that is where all of the bullies hang out. Read more ➺


fiddle while Rome burns

Meaning: to perform an inconsequential task or act irresponsibly in the midst of a disastrous event.

Example: Vacuuming the carpet while her co-worker was in with the boss, trying to steal her job, felt like fiddling while Rome burned. Read more ➺


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