a daring leap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daring leap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bold or courageous action taken, often in a metaphorical sense, such as taking a risk or making a significant change. Example: "Starting her own business was a daring leap, but she believed in her vision and was ready to take the risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It was a daring leap," she says of the petition.

The Guardian - Sport

Their conventionality highlights what a daring leap Mr. Pearlstein was about to make.

The New York Times - Arts

That outcome was not always so apparent, certainly not eight months ago, when Mr. Dabbashi took a daring leap.

The New York Times

"To select a chancellor with no background in education is a daring leap of faith," said Henry J. Stern, a civic advocate and former city parks commissioner.

The New York Times

"She's not so showy," Ms. Peck said after the 19-year old performed a duet that featured a daring leap into her partner's arms.

The New York Times - Arts

Where Scorsese, an unflinching realist, sees an unbreakable cycle of ambition and avarice, Lee takes a daring leap into political fantasy to offer a vast, quasi-utopian vision of a United States in which the cycle of violence is broken.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Upon parole on May 22 , 1933 he turned his knowledge to profit, taking (with one to four confederates) five Indiana and Ohio banks in four months and gaining his first notoriety as a daring, leaping, sharply dressed gunman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fact that Schoenberg made an equally daring leap in the same year — in the summer of 1908 he was finishing his Second String Quartet, in which tonality dissolves before one's ears — has tempted commentators to find a causal link between the two.

The New Yorker

In episode nine, Hannah accused her now ex-roommate, Marnie, of wanting only "a boyfriend with a luxury rental," but it's Jessa who has taken a rapid and daring leap to get that boyfriend and, two weeks later, to marry him at a "surprise wedding".

The New Yorker

Taking a daring imaginative leap, "Shower" also reaches beyond the present to meditate on water as a precious natural resource.

The New York Times

Taking a daring imaginative leap, "Shower," which New Directors/ New Films is screening today and Saturday at the Museum of Modern Art, also reaches beyond the present to meditate on water as a precious natural resource.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a daring leap" to describe actions that involve significant risk and potential reward, especially when emphasizing the courage or boldness required.

Common error

Avoid using "a daring leap" to describe everyday or mundane decisions. It's best reserved for situations involving genuine risk and uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

A daring leap functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a specific, bold action undertaken by an individual or organization. It acts as a concise way to characterize a significant risk or change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daring leap" is a phrase used to describe a bold or courageous action, often involving significant risk. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and is used in various contexts, including news and media. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and effectively communicates the idea of taking a significant risk with potential rewards. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for actions that genuinely involve uncertainty and potential consequences, avoiding its use for trivial decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bold step

Emphasizes the courage and decisiveness of the action, focusing on the forward movement.

a courageous move

Highlights the bravery involved in making the decision.

a risky venture

Focuses on the potential for failure or negative consequences.

an audacious act

Implies a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks, sometimes bordering on recklessness.

a venturesome undertaking

Highlights the adventurous nature of the endeavor.

an intrepid endeavor

Stresses the fearlessness and determination required.

a brave gamble

Draws attention to the uncertainty of the outcome and the significant stakes involved.

a plucky attempt

Implies a spirited and determined effort despite potential difficulties.

a gutsy decision

Highlights the courage and fortitude needed to make the choice.

an adventurous plunge

Suggests a sudden and dramatic entry into a new or unknown situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a daring leap" in a sentence?

You can use "a daring leap" to describe a bold or risky action, often with the implication of courage or significant potential consequences. For instance, "Starting her own company was "a daring leap" for her, but she was confident in her abilities."

What are some alternatives to "a daring leap"?

Alternatives to "a daring leap" include "a bold step", "a courageous move", or "a risky venture", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the action.

Is it correct to say "make a daring leap" or "take a daring leap"?

Both "make a daring leap" and "take a daring leap" are grammatically correct. "Take a daring leap" is more common, but "make a daring leap" can also be used, especially when emphasizing the creation or initiation of the action.

What's the difference between "a daring leap" and "a leap of faith"?

"A daring leap" generally implies a calculated risk with some level of confidence, while "a leap of faith" suggests a risk taken with little or no evidence or certainty, relying primarily on belief or hope.