throw caution to the wind
act recklessly, abandoning prudence
In Spanish
act recklessly, abandoning prudence
Examples
- She threw caution to the wind and quit her stable job to travel.
- He decided to throw caution to the wind and invest all his savings in the startup.
- Despite the storm warning, they threw caution to the wind and went sailing.
When it's used
This idiom is used in informal contexts, both in speech and writing, to describe reckless or daring actions. It is common in casual conversations or storytelling. It is not used in formal or technical settings.
The common mistake
A common mistake is to say 'throw the caution to the wind', adding an unnecessary article 'the'. The correct expression in English does not use an article.
Related idioms
FROM WHAT YOU READ TO WHAT YOU SAY
Recognising it isn't the same as using it
Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.
Practise speaking→