hostage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Harshal	-	Indian, Marathi, Gujarati
Avril	['ævril]
Balderstone	['bɔ:ldəstəun]
Randell	['rændl]
Theresa	[ti'ri:zə]
MoisÉS	moi-SES (Spanish)	Spanish, Portuguese