gamble — OAT · Shobdo

gamble

verb

1 I go to the races when I want to gamble:

bet, wager, place a bet, lay a bet, stake money on something, back the horses, try one's luck on the horses;

informal play the ponies;

British, informal punt, chance one's arm, have a flutter;

rare game.

2 we gambled today and we were fortunate to get away with it:

take a chance, take a risk, take a leap in the dark, leave things to chance, speculate, venture, buy a pig in a poke;

North American take a flyer;

informal stick one's neck out, go out on a limb;

British, informal chance one's arm.

3 he gambled on finding someone to give him a lift:

act in the hope of, trust in, take a chance on, bank on.

noun

1 his grandfather enjoyed a gamble:

bet, wager, speculation;

game of chance;

British, informal flutter, punt.

2 I took a gamble and it paid off:

risk, chance, hazard, speculation, venture, random shot, leap in the dark;

pig in a poke, pot luck, blind bargain;

lottery.