ride a tiger
ride a tiger
To become or find oneself responsible for something risky, precarious, or unsafe to abandon; to do something that is safer to continue than it is to quit. It has now become obvious that our country has been riding a tiger with our military intervention in this region—it was foolish to get involved, but it would be catastrophic to leave now.
See also: ride, tiger
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
ride a tiger
take on a responsibility or embark on a course of action which subsequently cannot safely be abandoned.The expression comes from the Chinese proverb ‘He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount’.
1940 Daily Progress (USA) I believe that Hitler is riding a tiger in trying to keep all Europe under control by sheer force.
See also: ride, tiger
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
ride a tiger
To find yourself in a precarious situation. The phrase comes from “He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.” Which is to say, once you find yourself in a dangerous circumstance, getting out of it can be even more potentially hazardous, whether to your health or your career.
See also: ride, tiger
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- a crack at (someone or something)
- all right
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)
- a bird in the hand