out on a limb
1
in a situation that involves a lot of risk and little support or evidence, especially one that arouses negative reactions in others
The idiom "out on a limb" likely originated from a literal interpretation, where someone would be in a vulnerable and exposed position when climbing a tree and venturing out on a branch. This expression is typically used to describe someone who has made a decision or taken a position that is potentially risky or unsupported.
- Taking the controversial stance, the politician found herself out on a limb with few supporters.
- She went out on a limb by investing her entire savings in the startup company.
- The scientist ventured out on a limb by proposing a groundbreaking theory that challenged existing beliefs.
- The company CEO decided to go out on a limb with a bold marketing campaign that deviated from the industry norm.
- The employee felt out on a limb when he disagreed with his colleagues' approach to the project, but he believed in his ideas.