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