# out on a limb

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/out-on-a-limb
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In a risky, precarious, daring, or uncompromising position, especially one outside of the mainstream; vulnerable.

## Examples

- He went out on a limb to support my new idea.
- She went out on a limb by criticizing the company policy in front of the entire board of directors.
- By challenging the established consensus of his peers, the researcher went out on a limb, risking his professional reputation for the sake of his controversial discovery.

## Origin

In reference to the risks of climbing out on the branch or limb of a tree.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.