risk it all

USAGE SUMMARY

"risk it all" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of someone taking a risk that could result in a great reward, or could result in a greater loss. For example, "The businessman decided to risk it all by investing his life savings in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He would risk it all".

The New Yorker

"You risk it all," she said.

The Guardian

Adrian decided to risk it all.

The New York Times - Tech

But I want to risk it all and try my luck".

The Guardian

I can, therefore, afford to risk it all, to take a punt.

The Guardian - Business

"He's got to be prepared to risk it all, that's the nature of gambling".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I risked it all".

The New York Times - Sports

I risked it all based on that, and I haven't had any regrets since.

Cornell University

Globally, around 350,000 people have risked it all by taking a boat this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Salman's foolish, headstrong behaviour, sanctioned by his unaccountable pal in the White House, risks it all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here was probably her only chance to become a mother, and she risked it all on a home birth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "risk it all" when you want to convey a sense of high stakes and potential for significant gain or loss. It's suitable for describing situations where someone is making a bold and possibly reckless decision.

Common error

Don't use "risk it all" when describing minor decisions or low-stakes scenarios. The phrase implies a significant gamble with potentially dire consequences, so reserve it for situations that truly warrant such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk it all" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a willingness to jeopardize everything for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating it's suitable when describing a bold decision with high stakes. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts, from personal aspirations to business ventures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "risk it all" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a willingness to jeopardize everything for a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the high stakes and potential consequences of a bold decision. Predominantly found in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts, "risk it all" is suitable for describing scenarios where individuals or entities make daring choices with significant implications. While it carries a neutral register, it's advisable to reserve its use for situations that genuinely warrant such emphatic language to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "gamble everything" and "put everything on the line" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. Remember that using "risk it all" effectively involves recognizing the weight of the decision and the potential for both great reward and significant loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chance it all

Direct synonym focusing on the element of chance.

gamble everything

Focuses on the act of gambling with all possessions or chances.

stake everything

Emphasizes putting all assets or hopes on a single outcome.

put everything on the line

Highlights the potential danger and high stakes involved.

dare everything

Highlights the boldness and courage involved in the risk.

go for broke

Implies a desperate attempt with no regard for potential loss.

bet the farm

Suggests risking one's livelihood or most valuable possession.

take a leap of faith

Focuses on the element of trust and uncertainty in a risky venture.

plunge in headfirst

Emphasizes immediate and complete commitment to a risky endeavor.

commit fully

Stresses the total dedication despite the risks.

FAQs

What does it mean to "risk it all"?

To "risk it all" means to jeopardize everything one has, typically in pursuit of a high reward. It implies a willingness to face significant potential loss for the possibility of a major gain.

How can I use "risk it all" in a sentence?

You might say, "She decided to "gamble everything" and "risk it all" on the new business venture", or "He knew he was "putting everything on the line", but he was willing to "risk it all" for the chance to win".

What are some alternatives to saying "risk it all"?

Alternatives include "gamble everything", "put everything on the line", or "go for broke". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "risking it all" grammatically correct?

Yes, "risking it all" is grammatically correct, and functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. However, the more common form of the phrase is "risk it all".