What does “Russian roulette” mean?
"Russian roulette" means a dangerous game where a person puts a single bullet in a revolver, spins the chamber, and then pulls the trigger while pointing the gun at their own head.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He played a game of Russian roulette and luckily survived.
Example
The group of friends decided to play Russian roulette as a dare.
Example
The movie depicted a tense scene of Russian roulette
Is “Russian roulette” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Russian roulette” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Russian roulette” effectively in context?
You can use "Russian roulette" to describe a risky or dangerous situation where someone is taking a chance with potentially severe consequences. For example, if someone is engaging in reckless behavior, you might say, 'He's playing "Russian roulette" with his life.'
- 1Gambling
He decided to play Russian roulette and bet all his savings on a single hand of poker.
- 2Daring Stunts
The daredevil performed a death-defying stunt that was like playing Russian roulette with his own life.
- 3Thrill-seeking
The adrenaline junkie enjoyed activities that were akin to playing Russian roulette with danger.
Similar phrases to “Russian roulette”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Russian roulette” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Russian roulette" is uncertain. It is believed to have originated in Russia, where it was rumored to be a popular game among soldiers during World War I. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Is “Russian roulette” common in everyday conversation?
While "Russian roulette" is a well-known phrase, it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often used in specific contexts, such as discussions about risky behavior or extreme situations.
What tone does “Russian roulette” have?
"Russian roulette" conveys a tone of danger and risk. It is typically used to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of a situation.
Can “Russian roulette” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Russian roulette" is an informal phrase that is not typically used in formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations or in discussions about risky behavior.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is usually used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's playing "Russian roulette" with his life.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't play "Russian roulette"!' to imply the danger of a risky decision.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- taking a gamble
- courting disaster
- playing a dangerous game
- risking it all
- pushing one's luck
Antonyms
- playing it safe
- being cautious
- avoiding risks
- taking the sensible route
- exercising prudence
