on the wild side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the wild side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that has ventured away from what is traditional or expected, often in a daring or exciting way. For example, "Sally decided to take a vacation on the wild side and go bungee jumping in New Zealand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A Walk on the Wild Side" is one; "The Man With the Golden Arm" is another.

Harvard University

They definitely make for a walk on the wild side.

The New York Times - Style

Walk on the Wild Side, by Lou Reed.

The Guardian - Music

If that's not living on the wild side, what is?

The New York Times

Walk on the Wild Side | 11 30 a.m.

The New York Times - Travel

There's no immediate walk on the wild side, however.

The New York Times - Books

Any inclination to live a little on the wild side.

The Guardian - Sport

Malakula is a bit on the wild side.

The New York Times - Travel

He lived on the wild side of a wild generation.

The New York Times

Beautifully done, if a little on the wild side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A walk on the WILD side: How wireless handhelds may change computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL).

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the wild side" to add color to your writing when describing unconventional or daring choices. For example, "Instead of a quiet beach vacation, they opted for a trek through the Amazon, really living life "on the wild side".

Common error

While "on the wild side" is widely understood, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral language like "unconventional" or "risky" in those settings to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the wild side" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates venturing away from traditional or expected norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

13%

Travel

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the wild side" is a common and generally neutral expression used to describe something or someone venturing beyond the conventional. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a departure from the traditional or expected, often in a daring or exciting way. While grammatically sound and widely understood, this expression is better suited for informal and creative writing than highly formal or academic contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in travel writing, but its use is limited in scientific or business settings. Consider alternatives like "being unconventional" or "living adventurously" for more formal tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

living on the edge

Emphasizes a lifestyle characterized by risk and uncertainty.

being daring

Highlights courage and willingness to take bold risks.

being unconventional

Highlights a departure from established norms and traditions.

stepping outside the box

Suggests thinking creatively and independently, moving away from traditional solutions.

living adventurously

Focuses on the act of living life with excitement and new experiences, emphasizing adventure.

pushing boundaries

Implies exceeding accepted limits or standards, highlighting innovation or rebellion.

going off the beaten path

Focuses on exploring less traveled routes or ideas, suggesting a unique or independent spirit.

taking risks

Emphasizes the act of embracing potentially dangerous or uncertain situations.

flirting with danger

Suggests engaging in activities that carry a certain level of risk or peril.

embracing the extreme

Highlights a strong attraction to intense or unconventional experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "on the wild side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the wild side" to describe activities, choices, or lifestyles that are unconventional or risky. For example, "He decided to invest in cryptocurrency, venturing /s/on+the+wild+side financially."

What does it mean to be "on the wild side"?

Being "on the wild side" typically implies engaging in activities or behaviors that are adventurous, daring, or outside the norm. It suggests a willingness to take risks and embrace the unconventional.

What are some alternative phrases to "on the wild side"?

Alternatives include "being unconventional", "living adventurously", or "taking risks" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "on the wild side" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "on the wild side" is generally more appropriate for informal or creative writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "unconventional", "risky", or "adventurous" to maintain a professional tone.