run a risk
Verb phrase: - To expose oneself to the possibility of something bad or unpleasant happening; to take a chance where failure or loss is possible. It implies an acceptance of potential danger or negative consequences in pursuit of a goal.
This phrase is used to describe an action where the outcome is uncertain and potentially harmful. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of taking on that uncertainty. - It is typically followed by "of" + [noun phrase] to specify the negative possibility. * You run a risk of injury if you don't warm up properly. - It can also be followed by a gerund (verb-ing) to describe the risky action itself. * By investing all his savings, he ran the risk of losing everything. - The article can be "a" or "the," with "the risk" often used when the specific danger is known or has been previously mentioned.
- (Note: can be followed by a "that" clause).
- "Run the risk of doing something": This is the most common construction, highlighting the specific negative action or consequence that might occur.
- Publishing the article might run the risk of starting a legal battle.
- The phrase often carries a tone of warning or calculated decision-making, acknowledging the peril involved.
- Risk (verb/noun): The core word. As a verb: As a noun:
- Take a risk / Take risks: A very close synonym, often interchangeable with "run a risk."
- Starting your own business means taking a lot of risks.
- Gamble (verb): Specifically implies taking a risk on an event with an uncertain outcome, often involving money or luck.
- He gambled his inheritance on the new venture.
- Take a chance: Slightly less formal, can imply a more hopeful outcome.
- Court danger / disaster: A more literary way to say one is inviting a bad outcome.
- Expose oneself to: A more formal way to state that one is making themselves vulnerable to a hazard.
- At risk: In a situation where something bad could happen.
- The coastal town is at risk of flooding.
- A calculated risk: A risk taken after careful thought about the possible outcomes.
- Expanding into a new market was a calculated risk that paid off.
- take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
- When you buy these stocks you are gambling