take a chance
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (intransitive):
- To accept the possibility of failure or loss in order to try to achieve a desired result: To act while acknowledging uncertainty and potential negative consequences, hoping for a positive outcome.
Usage
- This verb phrase is used to describe an action where the outcome is uncertain and involves risk. It implies a deliberate decision to proceed despite the risk.
- It is often followed by an infinitive ("to" + verb) or used with a prepositional phrase beginning with "on" to specify the risked action or opportunity.
- Common Structures:
take a chance(by itself)take a chance on [something/someone]take a chance to do [something]
Examples
- Verb:
- I decided to take a chance and apply for the job, even though I didn't meet all the qualifications.
- The investor was willing to take a chance on the new startup company.
- She took a chance to travel the world before starting university.
Advanced Usage
- "to take a chance on life/love": To embrace uncertainty in fundamental aspects of existence or relationships.
- After his recovery, he vowed to take a chance on life and pursue his dreams.
- "nothing ventured, nothing gained": This idiom encapsulates the philosophy behind choosing to "take a chance."
Variants and Related Words
- Take chances (verb phrase, plural): To behave in a habitually risky manner.
- He takes too many chances when he drives.
- Chance (noun): The unknown and unpredictable element of an outcome; an opportunity.
- Risk (verb/noun): To expose to danger or loss; the possibility of such danger or loss.
Synonyms
- Gamble: To play games of chance for money; to take risky action in the hope of a desired result.
- Risk it: To accept the possibility of a bad outcome.
- Try one's luck: To attempt something with an uncertain outcome.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Phrases
- Take a risk: Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably. "Risk" can sometimes imply a more quantifiable or serious potential loss.
- Starting your own business means you have to be prepared to take a risk.
- Chance it (informal): To decide to do something despite the risk.
- The weather looks bad, but let's chance it and go for a hike anyway.
Related Idioms
- Throw caution to the wind: To stop being careful and act in a reckless way.
- He threw caution to the wind, quit his job, and moved to Paris.
- Go out on a limb: To put yourself in a risky or vulnerable position to support someone or something.
- I'm going out on a limb to recommend him for the position.
Verb
- take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
- When you buy these stocks you are gambling