T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

Don’t push your luck !

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) Don’t defend yourself !

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) Go for it !

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) Don’t ask for too much !

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

If you push your luck, you do something risky that could spoil the success you have already had.
This is why it is commonly used in the negative form ‘don’t push your luck !’.

The phrase often implies unreasonable expectations.

The origin of the phrase is unclear and probably comes from the action of pushing something so hard that it could break and you could lose it all.

French translation

Ne tire pas trop sur la corde / Ne pousse pas trop / Ne tente pas le diable / Tu joues avec le feu / Pousse pas l’bouchon

How NOT to translate : *Ne pousse pas ta chance

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Examples in context

Leclerc ends Ferrari’s wait for Italian GP win.

‘Charles Leclerc withstood pressure from Lewis Hamilton and then Valtteri Bottas to end Ferrari’s nine-year wait for an Italian Grand Prix victory with a brilliant drive at Monza.
Leclerc seemed to acknowledge the fact he had pushed his luck at times.
"I did a few mistakes, but in the end I finished first and I’m very happy with this. I have to be careful with the mistakes but none of them cost me positions today."’

ESPN, 8 September 2019

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Everyday usage

She’s already got a good pay rise, she shouldn’t push her luck by asking for more.

The ice is too thin in April, don’t push your luck !

I’ve had some good winnings at blackjack, but I don’t think I should push my luck any further.

You might be pushing your luck asking them to play the song live.


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