chance (one's) arm

chance (one's) arm

slang To do something risky in pursuit of a desired outcome. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I think he's chancing his arm by dumping his life savings into yet another bizarre money-making scheme.
See also: arm, chance
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

chance your arm

BRITISH
If you chance your arm, you do something risky or daring in order to get something you want. Sport is about going out and giving it your best shot, chancing your arm for glory. Instead of going on the dole I chanced my arm on a business.
See also: arm, chance
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

chance your arm (or luck)

undertake something although it may be dangerous or unsuccessful; take a risk. British informal
See also: arm, chance
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌchance your ˈarm

(British English, informal) take a risk (especially when you are unlikely to succeed): He knew he wasn’t likely to win the contest, but decided to chance his arm anyway.
See also: arm, chance
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • chance your arm
  • be pushing at an open door
  • it's a fair cop
  • it's/that's a fair cop
  • arsis
  • box clever
  • boxing
  • be boxing clever
  • arsy-varsy