take a leap

USAGE SUMMARY

'take a leap' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to take a chance or make a brave decision. For example, "If you want to start your own business, sometimes you just have to take a leap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a leap.

The New York Times - Sports

"Take a leap of faith with me".

The New Yorker

They should take a leap.

The Guardian

Producers take a leap of faith.

The Guardian

Take a leap into the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But gays and lesbians have had to take a leap.

The New York Times

But by all accounts Arena needed to take a leap.

The New York Times

He was more apt to take a leap outside the existing spectrum of choices.

The New Yorker

The writers of the titles similarly ask us to take a leap.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't think he ever would've, but I generally will take a leap.

The New York Times - Magazine

You have to take a leap of faith to a certain extent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a leap" when you want to emphasize the need for courage and a willingness to accept uncertainty in order to achieve a goal.

Common error

While "take a leap" is a common idiom, avoid overusing it in your writing. Consider using synonyms like "take a chance" or "venture forth" to add variety and freshness to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a leap" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, often serving as the predicate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies the action of making a bold decision or taking a risk, often in situations with uncertain outcomes. Examples show it describing both literal and figurative leaps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

HuffPost

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "take a leap" is a common expression signifying a bold decision or a willingness to embrace risk. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It often implies a necessary act of courage in the face of uncertainty. This analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for general communication. While alternatives like "take a chance" or "make a bold move" exist, "take a leap" maintains its relevance as a concise and impactful way to convey the idea of stepping into the unknown.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a chance

This alternative emphasizes the element of risk and uncertainty involved.

take a risk

Similar to "take a chance", but often implies a more calculated assessment of potential negative outcomes.

make a bold move

This suggests a decisive action that is likely to have significant consequences.

plunge in

Implies diving into something without hesitation, often used when starting a new venture.

dive in headfirst

Suggests a very enthusiastic and perhaps slightly reckless approach.

venture forth

This phrase is more formal and suggests embarking on a journey or undertaking with unknown challenges.

step into the unknown

This highlights the uncertainty and potential danger of the action.

go out on a limb

This idiom suggests taking a risk that could leave one vulnerable.

cross the Rubicon

Implies making an irreversible decision that commits one to a particular course of action.

bite the bullet

Means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a leap" to describe making a bold decision or taking a risk. For example, "Starting a business requires you to "take a leap" and invest your time and money".

What is the difference between "take a leap" and "take a chance"?

While both imply risk, "take a leap" often suggests a bigger, more significant decision with less information available, while "take a chance" might involve a more calculated risk. Consider using "take a chance" if the risk is smaller.

What can I say instead of "take a leap of faith"?

Alternatives include "trust your instincts", "have faith", or "believe in yourself". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty involved. These alternatives emphasize believing even without perfect proof.

Is it always necessary to "take a leap" when making a big decision?

Not always. Sometimes, careful planning and risk assessment can minimize the need for a blind leap. However, in situations with high uncertainty, a degree of faith and willingness to "take a leap" may be unavoidable.