chance your arm
Meaning(s)
1. decide to do something risky
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
chance your arm at something
Analysis
To chance your arm is an idiom which means to take a risk in order to gain something that you want. To 'chance your arm at something' can also mean to try something or to give something a go even if there is a risk of failing.
Social Examples (Basic)
- When I overheard Lucy saying that she had a spare ticket to the concert, I chanced my arm and asked if I could have it. Luckily, she said yes.
- I didn't think I would be any good at cricket but I chanced my arm and gave it a go.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Even though the company are not advertising any vacant positions, you could always chance your arm and drop your CV in anyway.
- I know Paul is a risk taker, but I'm worried that he is chancing his arm a bit too much by giving up his well paid job to start his own business.