Put/lay your head/neck on the block
idiomatic phrase
Take serious risks in trying to do something.
By investing all his savings in one company, John really put his head on the block.
Often appears as...
- really put your head on the block
- simply put your head on the block
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiomatic phrase
Prepare to take the blame or face the consequences for something.
Informing the authorities about the misbehavior of his colleagues meant he had to put his neck on the block.
Often appears as...
- had to put your neck on the block
- decided to put your neck on the block
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiomatic phrase
Take serious risks in trying to do something.
By investing all his savings in one company, John really put his head on the block.
Often appears as...
- really put your head on the block
- simply put your head on the block
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiomatic phrase
Prepare to take the blame or face the consequences for something.
Informing the authorities about the misbehavior of his colleagues meant he had to put his neck on the block.
Often appears as...
- had to put your neck on the block
- decided to put your neck on the block
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Connotation
The phrase suggests a high risk with potentially serious consequences.
She knew that whistleblowing could mean losing her job, but she put her head on the block anyway.
Pro Tip 2/3Business Ventures
Often used when someone is taking a big financial or career risk.
He put his head on the block by funding the innovative but uncertain tech startup.
Pro Tip 3/3Seriousness
It's used in contexts where the risk is not trivial but has significant impact.
In vouching for her controversial plan, I am effectively putting my head on the block.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Connotation
The phrase suggests a high risk with potentially serious consequences.
She knew that whistleblowing could mean losing her job, but she put her head on the block anyway.
Pro Tip 2/3Business Ventures
Often used when someone is taking a big financial or career risk.
He put his head on the block by funding the innovative but uncertain tech startup.
Pro Tip 3/3Seriousness
It's used in contexts where the risk is not trivial but has significant impact.
In vouching for her controversial plan, I am effectively putting my head on the block.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Connotation
The phrase suggests a high risk with potentially serious consequences.
She knew that whistleblowing could mean losing her job, but she put her head on the block anyway.
Pro Tip 2/3Business Ventures
Often used when someone is taking a big financial or career risk.
He put his head on the block by funding the innovative but uncertain tech startup.
Pro Tip 3/3Seriousness
It's used in contexts where the risk is not trivial but has significant impact.
In vouching for her controversial plan, I am effectively putting my head on the block.
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