risk life and limb

present singular third person risks life and limb · participle present risking life and limb · participle past risked life and limb · past risked life and limb · alternative risk one's life and limb

1. To do something dangerous that will risk someone's existence together with his or her body faculties (used to emphasize and often overstate the danger associated with an action).

   This eviction should never ever have happened, especially when one of the breadwinners is risking life and limb, defending this same country.

   2012, Gary Allan Tisor, The Untold Story, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN, page 138

   2 more examples

   She shrieked so excitedly when she spotted a balloon on the loose that several rows of fans made valiant efforts, risking life and limb, to catch it so they could have the honor of presenting it to her.

   2012, Cindy Champnella, The 12 Gifts of Life: Finding Extraordinary Meaning in Ordinary Moments, Ambassador International, →ISBN, page 54

   He cleared his throat. “You're risking life and limb in a car with a new driver and an engine making, quote, 'scraping noises.' It's not fine.” “She is not risking life and limb.” Ingrid put her hands on her hips. “I'm a very safe driver.”

   2014, Beth Kendrick, Cure for the Common Breakup, Penguin, →ISBN, page 194

   Synonyms: risk one's neck, risk one's life