take (one's or someone's) life in(to) (one's) (own) hands
To do or engage in something risky that could result in the loss of one's or someone else's life or livelihood. I felt like I was taking my life into my own hands climbing up the rickety old structure. Are you sure you trust these tour guides? They're taking our lives into their hands out here in the wild.
take someone's life in one's hands
Fig. to risk someone's life. If you go into the war zone, you will be taking your life in your hands. Ted didn't want to take his life in his hands by going there alone.
take your life in your hands
or take your life into your hands
If you take your life in your hands or take your life into your hands when you do something, you take a lot of risks when you do it. A rider who does not know the road takes his life in his hands by cycling in the dark. You take your life into your hands just crossing the road in this city.
take your life in your hands
risk being killed.take your ˌlife in your ˈhands
risk being killed, injured, attacked, etc: You take your life in your hands if you let him drive.The reason that his photos are so good is because he takes his life in his hands to get them. take (one's) life in (one's) hands
To take a dangerous risk.