hedge one's bets
To reduce the risk of making a mistake by keeping one's options open.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am hedging my bets by applying to two different universities.”
“The investor decided to hedge his bets by buying gold alongside his risky technology stocks.”
“By maintaining a secondary source of income while pursuing her artistic ambitions, she effectively hedged her bets against the uncertainty of a creative career.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026