lead with one's chin
lead with (one's) chin
1. Literally, to approach an opponent with one's chin thrust out, thus making it easier to be hit. The cocky fighter led with his chin, daring the underdog to take a swing.
2. By extension, to do or say something aggressively and without caution. The venture capitalist, famous for leading with his chin when it comes to securing investments, is being investigated for fraud and money laundering.
See also: chin, lead
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lead with one's chin
Take a risk, behave without caution. For example, Gordon always says exactly what he thinks; he never minds leading with his chin. This term alludes to a boxer leaving his chin, a vulnerable point, unprotected. [Mid-1900s]
See also: chin, lead
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- lead with (one's) chin
- lead with your chin
- take (something) on the chin
- take it on the chin
- take on the chin
- take something on the chin
- chin up
- chuck (one) under the chin
- chuck under the chin
- keep (one's) chin up