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hostage

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give hostage to fortune

To do or say something that could jeopardize future success or cause misfortune later on. With the economy at such a precarious level at the moment, the president made it clear that he would take no action that would give hostage to fortune.

See also: fortune, give, hostage

hostage to fortune

An act or situation that could create future problems. A company that publicly supports an unpopular political stance often creates a hostage to fortune.

See also: fortune, hostage

hold someone hostage

to keep someone as a hostage. The terrorists planned to hold everyone hostage in the airplane. My neighbor was held hostage in his own home by a robber.

See also: hold, hostage

take someone hostage

to kidnap or seize someone to be a hostage. The terrorists planned to take the ambassador hostage. The entire family was taken hostage by the robber.

See also: hostage, take

a hostage to fortune

  (formal)

if something is a hostage to fortune, it could be harmed by things that happen in the future Inviting terrorists to take part in the talks has created a hostage to fortune. (formal)

See also: fortune, hostage