take desperate risks; resort to desperate measures
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to take desperate risks; to resort to risky measures when cornered
formalOriginally described committing crimes out of desperation. Now broadly describes taking dangerous actions when no legitimate options remain. Often carries a negative connotation of recklessness born of despair.
Tā他
yīn因
qiàn欠
xià下
jù巨
zhài债
，
zhǐ只
hǎo好
tǐng铤
ér而
zǒu走
xiǎn险
。
Owing huge debts, he had no choice but to take desperate risks.
Bú不
dào到
wàn万
bù不
dé得
yǐ已
，
qiān千
wàn万
bú不
yào要
tǐng铤
ér而
zǒu走
xiǎn险
。
Unless absolutely necessary, never resort to such desperate measures.
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Yī一
xiē些
pín贫
kùn困
dì地
qū区
de的
nóng农
mín民
tǐng铤
ér而
zǒu走
xiǎn险
，
zǒu走
shàng上
le了
fàn犯
zuì罪
dào道
lù路
。
Some farmers in impoverished areas took desperate gambles and embarked on a life of crime.