tempt fate
The phrase "tempt fate" is often used to caution against taking unnecessary risks that could lead to bad outcomes.
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Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To take unnecessary risks that could result in negative consequences.
Example
- By driving in the storm, you're tempting fate.
- Don't tempt fate by ignoring the warning signs.
C1Superstitious
(informal, superstitious)To do something believed to provoke bad luck.
Example
- She refused to tempt fate by talking about her plans before they were finalized.
- Walking under a ladder is considered tempting fate.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tempt fate":
take a flyergo out on a limbhedge one's betsget luckyroll the dice