russian roulette

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A deadly game of chance: A reckless and extremely dangerous act in which a person spins the cylinder of a revolver loaded with a single bullet, points the muzzle at their own (or sometimes another's) head, and pulls the trigger. The outcome depends entirely on random chance.
    • A metaphor for any high-risk, potentially fatal gamble: Used figuratively to describe any activity or decision where the stakes are extremely high and the outcome is left to chance, with severe or catastrophic consequences possible.
Usage Examples

  • Literal Usage:

    • He tragically died while playing a game of Russian roulette.
    • The police condemned the act of Russian roulette as a senseless risk.

  • Figurative/Metaphorical Usage:

    • Driving without a seatbelt is like playing Russian roulette with your life.
    • Investing his entire savings in that volatile scheme was economic Russian roulette.
Advanced Usage
  • "to play Russian roulette with (something)": To engage in a reckless gamble with something valuable (e.g., one's health, safety, career, future).
    • By ignoring the safety protocols, the company is playing Russian roulette with its workers' lives.
    • She felt that not getting vaccinated was playing Russian roulette with her health.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gamble (noun/verb): A risky action or bet with an uncertain outcome. (A broader, less severe term).
  • Recklessness (noun): Lack of regard for danger or consequences.
  • Brinkmanship (noun): The art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety, especially in politics. (Shares the concept of courting extreme risk).
Synonyms
  • Deadly gamble: A wager with a high probability of death.
  • Game of chance: An activity whose outcome is determined by random luck.
  • Foolhardy risk: A reckless and imprudent danger.
Related Phrases
  • Tempting fate: To act in a way that recklessly challenges luck or fortune.
  • Dicing with death: To take foolish and unnecessary risks with one's life.
Related Idioms
  • "Playing with fire": Engaging in a dangerous or risky activity that could lead to trouble.
    • While "playing with fire" suggests danger and potential harm, "Russian roulette" implies a specific, direct, and potentially immediate fatal risk.
Noun
  1. a stunt in which you spin the cylinder of a revolver that is loaded with only one bullet and then point the muzzle at your head and pull the trigger

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