courting death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courting death" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means intentionally engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior, often with the understanding that it could result in death. Example: One should never underestimate the consequences of courting death by driving under the influence of alcohol.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We were high, but we weren't courting death.

The New Yorker

I was courting death or at least a kidnapping.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except for the fact that, of course, you're courting death in the process.

The New York Times

Moving into and out of the neighborhood meant courting death, he added.

The New York Times

She is not courting death, as her husband is; death is courting her, and she's doing her best to ignore that reality.

The New York Times

SHAKESPEARE'S saddest monarch will be out on the heath again this fall, yelling at the elements and courting death by lightning, when the Public Theater opens its new production of "King Lear," starring Sam Waterston, in November.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But I don't court death.

The Guardian - Music

His enemies thought him a charlatan who deliberately courted death.

The Guardian - Books

Yet the sheer number of times my father had courted death and then recovered had, perversely, made him seem indomitable.

The New Yorker

As a leader of the National Union of Mineworkers in the 1980s, he courted death and detention and was a great organizer of the working classes.

The New York Times

Like the owners of guns, the consumers of cigarettes are so attached to their cylindrical objects of desire that they are willing to court death for them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "courting death" to describe situations where someone is knowingly engaging in dangerous activities, despite the high risk of fatal consequences. This phrase adds a dramatic or literary flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "courting death" to describe accidental deaths or situations where the risk is unknown to the individual. The phrase implies a conscious acceptance, or even pursuit, of danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courting death" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a verb's complement or part of a larger predicate. It describes an action that someone is undertaking, emphasizing the inherent risk and potential consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "courting death" is a gerund phrase correctly used to describe intentionally engaging in dangerous or reckless behavior, fully aware of the potential fatal consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, often serving to warn against or criticize dangerous actions. While found in various registers, it's most often neutral, adding a dramatic flair. When using this phrase, remember that it implies conscious risk-taking, so avoid applying it to unintentional accidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dicing with death

Emphasizes the element of chance and unpredictability in a life-threatening situation.

inviting demise

Focuses more on the consequence (demise) rather than the active pursuit of risk.

playing with fire

Highlights the dangerous and potentially destructive nature of the activity.

flirting with danger

Less severe, suggesting a playful approach to risk rather than a serious threat.

tempting fate

Implies a challenge to destiny or luck, often with a superstitious undertone.

risking life and limb

Focuses on the physical danger and potential for injury or loss of body parts.

walking a tightrope

Conveys a sense of precariousness and the need for careful balance to avoid disaster.

on a collision course with disaster

Suggests an inevitable and catastrophic outcome if the current path is continued.

asking for trouble

A more casual expression indicating actions that are likely to lead to negative consequences.

living on the edge

Describes a lifestyle characterized by constant risk-taking and excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "courting death" in a sentence?

You can use "courting death" to describe someone who is intentionally doing something dangerous. For example: "Driving at that speed on a mountain road is like courting death."

What does "courting death" imply about a person's actions?

It suggests that the person is aware of the risks involved and is either accepting them or actively seeking them out. It implies a degree of recklessness or a disregard for personal safety.

Are there situations where using "courting death" would be inappropriate?

Yes, it's generally inappropriate to use "courting death" in situations involving accidental deaths or tragedies where the individual was unaware of the danger. The phrase implies intentional risk-taking.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "courting death"?

Alternatives include "flirting with danger", "tempting fate", or "dicing with death". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.