lead with one's chin
lead with (one's) chin
1. Literally, to approach an opponent with one's chin thrust out, thus making it easier to be hit. The cocky fighter led with his chin, daring the underdog to take a swing.
2. By extension, to do or say something aggressively and without caution. The venture capitalist, famous for leading with his chin when it comes to securing investments, is being investigated for fraud and money laundering.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
lead with one's chin
Take a risk, behave without caution. For example, Gordon always says exactly what he thinks; he never minds leading with his chin. This term alludes to a boxer leaving his chin, a vulnerable point, unprotected. [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.