play with fire

attempt gamble hazard jeopardize plunge speculate stake try venture wager wildcat

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

abstain

aim design plan scheme

compromise defy endanger imperil jeopardize

adventure beard brave chance confront dare encounter face gamble hazard jeopardy meet menace peril plunge speculate tackle venture wager

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

guard protect save

avoid be careful design dodge hide neglect plan retreat run away

be certain