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limb
be out on a limb
To have done or said something that lacks evidence or support. Her hypothesis is really out on a limb—the facts don't support it at all. That politician is out on a limb after publicly questioning the views of his party.
*out on a limb
1. Lit. out on a limb of a tree where it is dangerous. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.) It's okay to climb the tree, but don't go out on a limb and fall off.
2. Fig. in a dangerous position to do something; at risk. (*Typically: be ~; go ~; put someone ~.) I don't want to go out on a limb, but I think we can afford to do it. If I had to go out on a limb, I would say that it will be a month before your merchandise will be delivered.
tear (someone or some animal) limb from limb
to rip someone or an animal to bits. The explosion tore the workers limb from limb. The crocodiles attacked the wading zebras and tore them limb from limb.
life and limb
continued existence or serious injury
These skiers risk life and limb every day for the thrill of a super-fast downhill run. The storms across the west are posing a threat to life and limb. Usage notes: used when talking about situations in which someone could die or be injured, as in the examples
out on a limb
in a situation where you lack support
He was pretty far out on a limb when he predicted the future of the industry two years ago. Usage notes: often used with go: I'll go out on a limb and pick the Panthers to win on Sunday.
tear somebody limb from limb
to attack someone violently I'm sure she'd tear the guy limb from limb for what he's done.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of tear someone limb from limb (to pull someone's arms and legs off)
be out on a limb
alone and lacking support from other people Because we're geographically so far removed from the main office, we do sometimes feel as if we're out on a limb.
go out on a limb
if you go out on a limb, you state an opinion or you do something which is very different to most other people I don't think we're going out on a limb in claiming that global warming is a problem that must be addressed. Rob Thompson, the producer, admits the series is going out on a limb in that it is quite different to anything else currently on television.
See tear limb from limbrisk life and limb
to do something very dangerous where you might get hurt These skiers risk life and limb every day for the thrill of speed.
tear somebody limb from limb
to attack someone violently I'm sure if she got hold of the guy she'd tear him limb from limb.
out on a limb
In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position, as in I lodged a complaint about low salaries, but the people who had supported me left me out on a limb . This expression alludes to an animal climbing out on the limb of a tree and then being afraid or unable to retreat. [Late 1800s]
risk life and limb
Also,
risk one's neck. Take dangerous chances, as in
There he was on the roof, risking life and limb to rescue the kitten, or
I don't want to risk my neck contradicting him. The first hyperbolic expression, dating from the early 1600s, doesn't make sense, since if one loses one's life one also loses the use of one's limbs. The variant, used for risky undertakings of all kinds, physical and nonphysical, presumably alludes to being hanged or beheaded. Also see
stick one's neck out.
(out) on a limb
Informal In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position.