put on the line
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To expose something valuable (such as one's life, job, reputation, or money) to potential loss, danger, or damage; to risk something important.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of consciously risking something of significant personal value. It often implies a courageous or necessary action taken despite knowing the potential negative consequences. It is typically used with objects like job, reputation, life, career, or money.
Examples
- She put her career on the line when she reported the misconduct.
- The whistleblower put his reputation on the line to tell the truth.
- I'm not willing to put my savings on the line for such a risky investment.
- He put his life on the line every day as a firefighter.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used in passive constructions.
- His entire political future was put on the line for that one policy.
- It can be used figuratively for non-physical assets.
- By defending her unpopular friend, she put her social standing on the line.
Variants and Related Words
- Lay on the line: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- He laid his job on the line to protest the decision.
- Risk (verb): To expose to the chance of injury or loss. ("Put on the line" is a more idiomatic and emphatic synonym for "risk" when referring to very important things.)
Synonyms
- Endanger
- Jeopardize
- Stake
- Hazard
Related Idioms
- Go out on a limb: To take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position, often to support someone or something. (This is similar but focuses more on the vulnerable position than the specific asset risked.)
- Stake one's reputation on something: To risk one's good name. (This is a more specific variant.)
Verb
- expose to a chance of loss or damage
- We risked losing a lot of money in this venture
- Why risk your life?
- She laid her job on the line when she told the boss that he was wrong