take a risk

Meaning

To do something when the result could be bad.

Examples

1. Starting a business means you have to take risks. US UK
2. She took a risk and moved to a new city. US UK
3. I do not want to take a risk with my savings. US UK

How to use it

Say take a risk. A more formal phrase is run the risk of + -ing: “You run the risk of losing your money.”

Common mistake

Not: He made a big risk.
Say: He took a big risk. (Risks are taken, not made.)