hostage to fortune

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An action, promise, or remark that is considered unwise because it could be difficult to fulfil or could cause trouble later on.
  2. A person or thing whose fate is seen as dependent on chance or luck.

Pronunciation

/ˌhɒstɪd͡ʒ tə ˈfɔːt͡ʃuːn/ /ˌhɑstɪd͡ʒ tə ˈfoɹt͡ʃun/ /-t͡ʃən/ En-au-give hostage to fortune.ogg

Word forms

hostage to fortune hostages to fortune

Etymology

From hostage (“one who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat”) + to + fortune (“destiny”).

Related words

leave nothing to chance tempt fate
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