2006-07-14 07:26:28 · 8 answers · asked by She 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
When this incident is retold, it’s often said that it’s the origin of chancing your arm.
It’s often said that the origin lies in a famous incident during a feud between two prominent Irish families, the Ormonds and the Kildares, in 1492. At one point, Sir James Butler, the Earl of Ormond, took refuge with his followers in the chapter house of St Patrick’s cathedral in Dublin. After a while, Gerald Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, came to realise that the feud was nonsense and tried to make peace. In order to prove that no villainy was intended and that his desire for reconciliation was genuine, he cut a hole in the door and thrust his arm through. In doing this, of course, he was placing himself at the mercy of those inside, who could easily have cut it off. However, his hand was grasped by Butler and his peace overtures were accepted.
2006-07-14 07:49:21 · answer #1 · answered by machinator 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chancing
2016-10-04 01:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by hektner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
chance your arm (British & Australian, informal):
to take a risk in order to get something that you want. (i.e. Aren't you chancing your arm a bit giving up a secure job to start a business?)
2006-07-14 07:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by B C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is the same thing as "trying your hand" which means to see if you're any good at a particular skill or talent that you've never tried before
2006-07-14 07:31:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means "trying my luck" or "taking a chance" or "taking a big risk."
2006-07-14 07:33:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means "having a go"
2006-07-14 12:20:12 · answer #6 · answered by myrtguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know
2006-07-14 07:54:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't know
2006-07-14 07:28:57 · answer #8 · answered by jas 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋