Definition

Verb: * To act despite the possibility of failure or loss; to accept risk in pursuit of a potential gain or favorable outcome. It implies a willingness to face uncertainty.

Usage

This verb phrase is used to describe the action of engaging in an activity where the result is uncertain and potentially negative. It often carries a sense of deliberate risk-taking. * It is typically used in general statements or advice. * It can be used in the imperative mood to encourage or warn someone. * It often appears with modifiers like "have to," "need to," or "be willing to."

Examples

• Entrepreneurs must be willing to take chances if they want to innovate.
• If you never take chances, you'll never know what you could have achieved.
• He decided to take a chance and invest his savings in the new business.
• "Go on, take a chance and ask her out," his friend advised.

Advanced Usage

• Take a chance on (someone/something): To risk trusting or supporting a person or thing whose success is not certain.
  • The director decided to take a chance on the unknown actor for the lead role.
  • I'm going to take a chance on this old car and hope it gets me home.

Variants and Related Words

• Take a risk: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
• Gamble (verb): Specifically implies risking money on an uncertain outcome, but can be used figuratively. (e.g., )
• Chance (verb): To do something though it involves risk. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Risk it
• Venture
• Hazard
• Court danger

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Chance it: A more informal variant meaning to take a risk.
  • The weather looks bad, but let's chance it and have the picnic anyway.

Related Idioms

• Nothing ventured, nothing gained: This proverb expresses the idea that you cannot achieve anything if you are not willing to take risks. It is a common sentiment associated with the decision to "take chances."
• Throw caution to the wind: To suddenly decide to act in a risky way without worrying about the danger. This is a more impulsive form of taking a chance.
  • He threw caution to the wind, quit his job, and booked a one-way ticket to Asia.

Verb

1. take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
   • When you buy these stocks you are gambling