take a gamble

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a gamble" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to take a risk or chance on something. Example: "She decided to take a gamble and invest all of her savings into the stock market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a gamble – give them something else".

The Guardian - Travel

You take a gamble on high school guys.

The New York Times - Sports

Ladies are cautious; men like to take a gamble.

The Guardian - Travel

We take a gamble, and we deal with the consequences.

The Guardian

She persuaded a publisher to take a gamble.

The Guardian

At the moment we are a bit short, so I can take a gamble on one".

Independent

Bailouts may make people a little more likely to take a gamble.

The New Yorker

The truth is that the SNP are asking people to take a gamble".

The Guardian

It's a big ask for audiences to take a gamble on contemporary theatre.

The Guardian

That said, those who are still willing to take a gamble should choose their funds carefully.

The New York Times

But now Curnock Cook encourages good prospective students to take a gamble with their first choice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a gamble", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential risk and reward are. For example, "The company decided to "take a gamble" on a new marketing strategy, hoping to increase sales by 20%."

Common error

Avoid using "take a gamble" when the risk is minimal or non-existent. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Instead, use more appropriate terms like "try" or "attempt" when the action carries little risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a gamble" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of willingly accepting a risk with the expectation of a favorable outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Ludwig examples show its versatility in different types of sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a gamble" is a frequently used verb phrase that means to willingly accept a risk in hopes of a positive outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a variety of contexts, most commonly news and media. When using the expression, it's important to consider the nature of the risk. If you are looking for alternatives to "take a gamble", you might consider using phrases like "take a chance" or "roll the dice". As a final point, be sure to not overstate the severity of risk, and use the phrase appropriately when the situation involves actual uncertainty and potential reward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a chance

Focuses on the opportunity aspect of the risk, rather than the potential loss.

roll the dice

Emphasizes the random and unpredictable nature of the outcome.

take a flyer

Implies a small, calculated risk with the potential for a high reward.

risk it

A more concise and informal way of expressing the willingness to take a risk.

chance it

Similar to "risk it", but may also imply a degree of hope or optimism.

venture forth

Adds a sense of exploration and uncertainty in the decision.

plunge in

Highlights the immediate and decisive nature of the action.

try one's luck

Explicitly acknowledges the role of luck in the outcome.

go for broke

Suggests a high-stakes situation where everything is on the line.

play a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success but a potentially significant payoff.

FAQs

How can I use "take a gamble" in a sentence?

You can use "take a gamble" to describe a situation where someone is risking something in the hope of gaining an advantage, such as, "The entrepreneur decided to "take a gamble" on a new business venture."

What are some alternatives to "take a gamble"?

Some alternatives to "take a gamble" include "take a chance", "roll the dice", or "take a risk", depending on the context.

Is it better to "take a gamble" or "play it safe"?

Whether to "take a gamble" or "play it safe" depends entirely on the circumstances, potential rewards, and risks involved. A risk assessment should always be carried out before deciding.

What does it mean to "take a gamble" on someone?

To "take a gamble" on someone means to give them an opportunity or trust them despite some uncertainty or potential risk, hoping they will succeed. It is often used when someone has potential but also has some challenges or unknown factors.