take a gamble

IPA/tˈeɪk ɐ ɡˈambəl/
IPA/tˈeɪk ɐ ɡˈæmbəl/

take a gamble — idiom

1. to make a risky choice, hoping it turns out well even though it might fail or co

1.idiomB2
Definition

to make a risky choice, hoping it turns out well even though it might fail or cost you a lot.

Example

Folake took a gamble on a small bakery and it slowly became popular.

take a gamble on + noun

The Watanabe family took a gamble by moving to a colder, quieter town.

take a gamble by + doing something

Common collocations
  • take a gamble on something
  • take a big gamble
  • take a gamble by doing something
Synonyms
  • take a chance

    more everyday and less tied to money or high stakes

  • take a risk

    plainer wording; focuses on the danger rather than the hoped-for gain

  • chance it

    very informal; used for smaller, spur-of-the-moment risks

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

take a gamble on + noun

take a gamble by + doing something

Usage Note

Usually followed by 'on' + the thing being risked, or 'by' + an action. Because the outcome is uncertain, it pairs naturally with words like hoping, risk, and chance.

Common Mistakes

Felix took a gamble for the new restaurant.
Felix took a gamble on the new restaurant.
the thing being risked follows 'on', not 'for'.

Etymology

English

The word gamble grew out of the older idea of playing a game for money. Over time, English speakers stretched 'take a gamble' beyond card tables and bets, using it for any choice where someone accepts real risk in the hope of a good result.