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Region: General | Usage example: They threw caution to the wind and bought the vintage car.

Throw caution to the wind

Meaning

Act recklessly or with disregard for risk.

Usage

Used when describing bold, risk-taking decisions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Letting caution scatter like wind-driven dust.

Appears in 19th-century literature about daring adventures.

Related Idioms

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

A stone's throw

A very short distance.

Throw a wrench in the works

Disrupt a plan or process.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.