out on a limb

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

out on a limb

"We were out on a limb when we first suggested it," Fradkin said.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

If you want to go out on a limb, Disclosure Day was not everyone’s favorite, but it’s worthy of your consideration.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

Rohl's exit is slightly embarrassing for Cavenagh as he's gone out on a limb to defend the manager in the face of criticism from fans.

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

Publishing a forecast that differs significantly from competitors’ amounts to throwing your weight behind a strong trading recommendation, so many economists hesitate to go out on a limb.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026

But I manage to get a grip and slowly inch my way out on a limb that hangs above the barbed wire.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

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