BBC Learning English - Friday Phrase / Push your luck

PUSH YOUR LUCK

People often push their luck after already achieving success. They take a big risk on what they have already gained in the hopes of getting or achieving more. The problem is if something goes wrong, they risk creating a big problem for themselves or losing what they have already achieved.

Consider a gambler in a casino. The gambler bets £10 and plays a game of cards. Through excellent luck, they win £200. They might decide to push their luck and risk this £200 in order to win more money - but they could lose everything!

Example Sentences

I can't believe we managed to get a table reservation so late in the evening! Do you think we can push our luck and ask for a bigger table?
You've turned in three late reports this month and no one noticed. But now the CEO is visiting and checking everything. Don't push your luck this time, eh?
I managed to avoid paying the parking fine because of a technicality, but I'd be pushing my luck if I parked there again!

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