ride the tiger

free ride

An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.

full ride

A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.

go along for the ride

To accompany someone in a passive manner, or to take a relatively passive or detached role in a project or group activity.

have a tiger by the tail

To be in a difficult or dangerous situation in which one ideally should not remain, but from which one cannot withdraw.

have the tiger by the tail

To be in a difficult or dangerous situation in which one ideally should not remain, but from which one cannot withdraw.

lady or tiger

A pure gamble with highly divergent outcomes.

Nantucket sleigh ride

An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.

paper tiger

Something or someone that appears powerful, strong or threatening but is in reality weak, ineffective, or unable to withstand challenge.