Synonyms for out on limb

Grammar : Adj, adv, noun

Spell : lim

Phonetic Transcription : lɪm

Top 10 synonyms for out on limb

Other synonyms for the word out on limb

Définition of out on limb

Origin : "part or member," Old English lim "limb, joint, main branch of a tree," from Proto-Germanic *limu- (cf. Old Norse limr "limb," lim "small branch of a tree"), a variant of *liþu- (cf. Old English liþ, Old Frisian lith, Old Norse liðr, Gothic liþus "a limb;" and with prefix ga-, source of German Glied "limb, member"), from PIE root *lei- "to bend, be movable, be nimble." The parasitic -b began to appear late 1500s for no etymological reason (perhaps by influence of limb (n.2)). In Old and Middle English, and until lately in dialects, it could mean "any visible body part."
The lymmes of generacion were shewed manyfestly. [Caxton, "The subtyl historyes and fables of Esope, Auyan, Alfonce, and Poge," 1484]
Hence, limb-lifter "fornicator" (1570s). To go out on a limb in figurative sense "enter a risky situation" is from 1897. Life and limb in reference to the body inclusively is from c.1200.

As in precarious : adj tricky, doubtful
As in risky : adj dangerous
As in susceptible : adj exposed, naive
As in unprotected : adj defenseless
As in vulnerable : adj open to attack
As in behind the eight ball : adj in a jam
As in pregnable : adj vulnerable
As in vincible : adj vulnerable
As in daring : adj adventurous
As in defenseless : adj powerless, vulnerable
As in foolhardy : adj impetuous, rash
As in out on a limb : adv in trouble
As in jeopardy : noun danger, trouble

Antonyms for out on limb

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019