Meaning: This idiom means to take a risk or make a bold decision, often without much information or certainty of success.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Investing in that startup was taking a flyer, but it paid off.”
- “He took a flyer on a new career path and moved to another country.”
- “She didn’t have all the details but decided to take a flyer and join the project.”
Origin: The origin of “take a flyer” is unclear, but it likely stems from early 20th-century American slang, where “flyer” indicated a leap or quick move, often risky. In stock trading, “taking a flyer” means investing in something speculative, hoping for a big payoff.