IdiomNature
English
Englishthrow caution to the wind
Meaning: To stop being careful and take a risk.
Example: “She threw caution to the wind, quit her job and opened a bakery in Lisbon.”
Origin: Something thrown to the wind is scattered and lost. Similar phrases about casting fears or cares to the winds are found from the 17th century; the exact form with "caution" is later, and its first use has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Jeter son bonnet par-dessus les moulins Literally: To throw one's bonnet over the windmills
More English idioms
- a last stand A final, determined effort to resist, usually when defeat is likely.
- you could hear a pin drop It was completely silent.
- just to be on the safe side As an extra precaution, even if it is probably unnecessary.
- perfidious Albion A mocking name for England or Britain as treacherous and untrustworthy.
- the die is cast A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
- the be-all and end-all The most important thing, or the only thing that matters.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Testa di rapa A blockhead who isn't thinking.
- Du hast doch einen Vogel You're a bit out of your mind.
- Du gehst mir auf den Keks You're getting on my nerves.
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