put one’s ass on the line: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put one's ass on the line’ mean?
The idiom put one's ass on the line means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position to achieve a goal or support a cause.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick one's neck out" means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action that goes against the norm or common consensus.
The idiom *put one's shoulder into* means to make a significant effort or commitment towards achieving something. It conveys the idea of using physical force to accomplish a task or overcoming a challenge with determination and dedication.
The idiom "put one's pants on one leg at a time" means that someone is just an ordinary person, emphasizing equality and normalcy.
The idiom "put one's pants on one leg at a time" is a commonly used phrase in American English, which emphasizes equality and commonality among people. This expression conveys the idea that everyone, regardless of their status or position, performs everyday tasks in the same manner and is subject to the same limitations.
The idiom "put one's name in the hat" means to enter or nominate oneself for a position, opportunity, or chance without being sure of success.
The idiom "put one's money where one's mouth is" means to back up one's words or claims with actions or financial support.
The idiom "put one's heart in" means to do something with great enthusiasm, passion, and dedication.
The idiom "put one's heart in" is used to describe the act of giving one's full effort, dedication, or passion to something. When someone puts their heart into a task or activity, they are fully investing their emotional and physical energy, often going above and beyond what is expected.
The idiom "put one's foot up someone's ass" is a metaphorical expression that means to forcefully or aggressively confront or punish someone for their actions or behavior.
The idiom "put one's foot in someone's ass" means to severely reprimand or physically confront someone for their actions or behavior.
Meaning: To say or do something embarrassing, foolish or inappropriate inadvertently.
The idiom "put one's foot in it" means to say or do something that unintentionally causes trouble, embarrassment, or offense.
"The Ultimate Risk-Taker"
The idiom "put one's ass on the line" is a colorful expression that carries a strong sense of risk and personal sacrifice. It conveys the idea of someone taking a significant gamble or putting themselves in a vulnerable position for a cause or goal. This phrase is commonly used in informal American English and has been around for several decades.
The exact origin of this idiom is not definitively documented. However, it is believed to have emerged from the world of sports, specifically in team-based competitive activities. The term "ass" is a euphemism for the buttocks, representing the physical body and symbolically, one's overall well-being and personal safety.
By putting one's ass on the line, an individual places their physical and emotional welfare at stake to achieve a desired result. This act may involve taking bold action, assuming significant responsibility, or exposing oneself to potential harm or backlash. It requires courage, bravery, and accountability.
The idiom's usage extends beyond sports and can be found in other aspects of American society, including business settings. It is often used in discussions of career advancement or entrepreneurial pursuits, capturing the essence of high-stakes decisions or the willingness to take calculated risks to achieve success.
In personal and relatable contexts, the idiom is used to describe situations where individuals make sacrifices or put themselves in jeopardy for the sake of others. It signifies a noble act of selflessness, where one is willing to face potential consequences or endure hardship for the benefit of someone or something they deeply value.
The idiom "put one's ass on the line" exemplifies the daring and courageous spirit of taking risks and making sacrifices for a higher purpose. Its origin may lie in the sporting world, but its usage has extended to various aspects of American life. This expression reflects the human capacity for bold action and the willingness to face potential harm or adversity in order to achieve significant goals or help others.
The related idiom "lay on the line" conveys a similar sense of risk and personal sacrifice. When someone lays something on the line, they are putting it at risk or in jeopardy for a desired outcome. This idiom can be applied to various situations, such as making a significant financial investment or revealing a personal truth.
Another related idiom is "stick one's neck out." This idiom suggests taking a risk by exposing oneself to potential harm or criticism. When someone sticks their neck out, they are putting themselves in a vulnerable position in order to support a cause or offer an opinion. This idiom can be used to describe acts of courage and advocacy.
The phrase "on the line" is also related to the idiom "put one's ass on the line." It signifies a situation or decision where there is a significant risk involved. When something is on the line, it is at stake or in jeopardy. This idiom is often used to emphasize the high stakes nature of a particular situation.
"die on one's arse" is another idiom related to putting one's ass on the line. This phrase signifies experiencing failure or humiliation. When someone dies on their arse, they have taken a risk and failed in a public or embarrassing way. It emphasizes the potential consequences of putting oneself in a vulnerable situation.
The idiom "put one's money where one's mouth is" is also related to the notion of taking risks and making sacrifices. It refers to taking action to support one's words or beliefs. When someone puts their money where their mouth is, they are backing up their statements or claims with concrete actions or investments. This idiom emphasizes the need for sincerity, commitment, and accountability.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "put one's ass on the line" can be used in a sentence:
- He really put his ass on the line by quitting his stable job and starting his own business.
- The firefighter put his ass on the line every day to save lives.
- She was hesitant, but she decided to put her ass on the line and speak up against the injustice.
The idiom "put one's ass on the line" is used to express a high level of risk or personal sacrifice that someone is willing to undertake for a particular cause, goal, or situation. It implies that the person is willing to go to great lengths, even if it means facing danger, criticism, or negative consequences, in order to achieve what they believe in or feel is necessary. The phrase emphasizes a strong commitment and willingness to take a significant risk.