step off the cliff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step off the cliff" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to denote taking a bold, risky action that could potentially have far-reaching consequences. For example, "The CEO decided to take a risk and step off the cliff, launching the new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Abseil Africa offers people the chance to step off the cliff at the peak of Table Mountain and ease their way down pure vertical space in a controlled 112-meter descent, with amazing views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean below.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Bunim said, "We have to credit MTV for stepping off the cliff with us".

The New York Times - Arts

"He's about to step off the same cliff Eddie Murphy stepped off about 10 years ago.

Independent

"With Jason," said Ms. Dewhurst, "I could make the commitment to O'Neill that allowed me, as Josie Hogan, to step off the edge of the cliff and into an abyss with the firm conviction that there was solid ground around me, in the words, in the actors onstage with me and, of course, in our director, Jose".

The New York Times

We don't want to fall off the cliff, but we can easily step off the curb.

Huffington Post

One technique (the visual cliff) depends on the evident reluctance of young animals to step off the edge of what seems to be a steep cliff.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You talk about a cliff, it's extremely sudden and the second you step off the edge you plunge to your death.

BBC

In other words, hiring a financial planner is less about making a bundle and more about not blindly stepping off the financial cliff.

The Washington Post

We suited up and giant-stepped off the cliff behind the hotel.

The New York Times - Travel

"After I stepped away from my ministry, I literally stepped off the cliff," Ms. MacBain, 45, recalled in a recent interview.

The New York Times

As such, it lets us predict that if we step off a cliff we will fall, without actually having to do so.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “step off the cliff” when you want to emphasize the potential consequences of a decision or action, especially when the outcome is uncertain and risky.

Common error

Avoid using “step off the cliff” for trivial decisions or situations that lack significant risk. Overusing the metaphor can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “step off the cliff” functions as a verb phrase often used metaphorically. It describes an action of taking a significant risk with uncertain consequences. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “step off the cliff” is a common verb phrase used metaphorically to describe taking a significant risk with uncertain outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in encyclopedias and wikis, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, it often emphasizes the potential dangers associated with the described action, making it a powerful way to convey the gravity of a decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a daring move

Focuses on the boldness and potential risk involved.

take the plunge

Implies committing to something after hesitation; less about literal danger than "step off the cliff".

embark on a risky endeavor

Highlights the potential for failure or negative consequences.

take a leap of faith

Emphasizes trust and hope in an uncertain situation, more optimistic than "step off the cliff".

jump into the abyss

Conveys a sense of uncertainty and possible doom, more dramatic than "step off the cliff".

enter the unknown

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of information about what lies ahead.

venture into uncharted territory

Highlights the exploration of something new and unfamiliar.

cross the Rubicon

Suggests passing a point of no return, a decisive and irrevocable step.

bite the bullet

Implies facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

go over the edge

Indicates exceeding reasonable limits or losing control, often negatively.

FAQs

What does it mean to "step off the cliff" in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "step off the cliff" means taking a significant risk or making a bold decision that could have serious consequences, similar to "taking the plunge".

How can I use "step off the cliff" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone is making a risky choice, such as "The company decided to "step off the cliff" and invest heavily in a new technology."

Are there alternatives to saying "step off the cliff"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "take a leap of faith", "jump into the abyss", or "go over the edge depending on the context".

What is the tone of the phrase "step off the cliff"?

The tone is generally serious and dramatic, highlighting the potential dangers and uncertainties involved in the decision or action being described. It suggests a point of no return, similar to phrases like "cross the Rubicon".