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

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

“Having been a real … wilderness for a long time, and feeling very out on a limb … to be considered part of a movement, at least at first, was exciting,” he recalls.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025

“I’m going to go out on a limb here and say based on how much he’s complaining about conditions in the courtroom, he would hate jail.”

From New York Times • May 7, 2024

Share your thoughts about the match or go out on a limb and give us a prediction.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2024

“Ashton, I think your wife was out on a limb, har har!”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood