stick one's neck out

Idioms and Phrases

Make oneself vulnerable, take a risk, as in I'm going to stick my neck out and ask for a raise . This expression probably alludes to a chicken extending its neck before being slaughtered. [ Colloquial ; early 1900s]

Example Sentences

It looks too costly to stick one’s neck out on behalf of the institution.

From Fox News

"Management could increase forecasts later in the year, but things are too volatile right now to stick one's neck out."

From Reuters

Related Words

• expose
• imperil
• menace
• threaten