throw caution to the wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw caution to the wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one is recklessly disregarding caution or taking a risk. For example, "I decided to throw caution to the wind and invest my money in a risky startup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So, throw caution to the wind – someone out there is waiting for you.

Independent

I decide to throw caution to the wind and say it anyway.

Independent

In the future, a different government could dare to throw caution to the wind.

The Guardian

So she decided to throw caution to the wind, or, more specifically, to the Internet.

The New York Times

Abrams is adamant that parents shouldn't throw caution to the wind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This doesn't mean to ignore business realities and throw caution to the wind.

The Guardian

They can throw caution to the wind on the way up.

The New York Times

JOHN STARBUCK wants me to throw caution to the wind and embrace my inner sloth.

The Guardian - Sport

Another is that even the wariest trout seem to throw caution to the wind when these insects appear, gorging indiscriminately.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I'm willing to throw caution to the winds".

The New York Times

That prominent figures throw caution to the winds may be no accident, some say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "throw caution to the wind" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to ignore potential risks for the sake of a greater goal or opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "throw caution to the wind" when the risk is genuinely dangerous or life-threatening. The phrase implies a calculated risk, not utter foolishness.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "throw caution to the wind" functions as a verb phrase, often used to modify a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes the disregard for potential risks or negative consequences. This aligns with Ludwig's observation that it denotes recklessly disregarding caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throw caution to the wind" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone disregards potential risks and acts boldly or impulsively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While it suggests embracing risk, it's important to consider the level of danger involved to avoid misusing the phrase. Alternative phrases like ""take a leap of faith"" or "act recklessly" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a leap of faith

Emphasizes trust and uncertainty in the action.

abandon all restraint

Highlights the complete lack of self-control or moderation.

act recklessly

Focuses on the potential for negative consequences due to lack of care.

go out on a limb

Suggests taking a risk that could leave one vulnerable.

take the plunge

Implies a decisive action with potential long-term consequences.

chance it

A more informal way of saying to take a risk.

gamble

Implies a risk with the expectation of a reward.

dare to be bold

Highlights the courage required to take the risk.

go for broke

Suggests risking everything in a single attempt.

disregard the consequences

Emphasizes the lack of concern for potential outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "throw caution to the wind" in a sentence?

You can use "throw caution to the wind" when you want to indicate that someone is taking a risk and not worrying about the potential consequences. For example: "I decided to "take a leap of faith" and throw caution to the wind by starting my own business."

What does it mean to "throw caution to the wind"?

To "throw caution to the wind" means to act without worrying about the potential risks or negative consequences. It implies a deliberate decision to ignore potential dangers in pursuit of a goal.

Which is correct, "throw caution to the wind" or "cast caution to the wind"?

Both "throw caution to the wind" and "cast caution to the wind" are acceptable, but "throw caution to the wind" is more common.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to "throw caution to the wind"?

It might be appropriate to "throw caution to the wind" when pursuing a dream, starting a business, or making a bold move in your career, as long as you've considered the potential downsides.