originally: harm oneself without helping others; now: take extreme risk to save others
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb phrase
to harm oneself for no benefit to others; to engage in a futile, self-destructive act
archaicOriginal meaning of the idiom. Describes an action that is reckless, foolish, and ineffective, causing harm only to oneself.
His act of accusing the leader without thinking of the consequences is no different from jumping into a well to save someone—it only harms himself.
verb phrase
to risk one's own life to save another; to undertake a heroic rescue at great personal danger
literaryModern reinterpretation and primary usage today. Highlights extreme courage and self-sacrifice in a desperate rescue attempt.
The firefighters charging into the inferno was truly a heroic act of risking their lives to save others.
In that critical moment, he chose to risk his own life to save his comrades, leaving the hope of survival to them.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
This isn't a rational rescue plan; it's practically sending the team members on a suicide mission.