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Definitions

play with fire

VERB
chance
Synonyms
STRONG
attempt gamble hazard jeopardize plunge speculate stake try venture wager wildcat
WEAK
cast lots draw lots go out on a limb have a fling at put eggs in one basket put it on the line roll the dice run the risk skate on thin ice stick one's neck out take shot in the dark tempt fate tempt fortune toss up
Antonyms
STRONG
abstain
WEAK
aim design plan scheme
VERB
risk
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compromise defy endanger imperil jeopardize
STRONG
adventure beard brave chance confront dare encounter face gamble hazard jeopardy meet menace peril plunge speculate tackle venture wager
WEAK
be caught short defy danger expose to danger go out of one's depth hang by a thread leap before looking leave to luck put in jeopardy run the chance run the risk skate on thin ice take a flyer take a header take a plunge take on take the liberty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
guard protect save
STRONG
avoid be careful design dodge hide neglect plan retreat run away
WEAK
be certain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yes, if you play with fire, you might get burned.

From Slate • Oct. 1, 2022

In these moments, “Athena” shows it likes to play with fire, though mainly because of how cool it looks.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2022

"Those who play with fire will perish by it," Beijing warned in a statement.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2022

The official People’s Daily newspaper wrote onsocial media on Tuesday that “people who play with fire will burn themselves,” apparently echoing similar warnings issued by Chinese officials over the past year.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Old enough, I thought, to know better than to play with fire.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler