- A warning advising someone not to take further risks or continue behaving in a way that has so far been successful or tolerated, because the situation might change for the worse.
- It implies that continued action might lead to negative consequences.
Explanation
Origin
- Relates to the idea of 'luck' as a finite resource or a favorable condition that might run out.
- 'Pushing' it suggests testing its limits or demanding too much from a fortunate situation.
- The expression warns against tempting fate or provoking an adverse reaction.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Don't press your luck. (Slight variation)
- Better cool it. (Stop the behavior)
- Know when to fold 'em. (From poker: know when to give up/stop)
- Don't try it. (Direct warning against a specific action)
Milder:
- I wouldn't risk it if I were you.
- Maybe that's enough for now.
- Perhaps it's best to stop there.
More Forceful:
- You're asking for trouble.
- I'm warning you.
Situational Appropriateness
- Can be used in informal to semi-formal contexts.
- Appropriate among friends, family, colleagues (depending on relationship and tone).
- Tone is key: can be friendly advice (gambling) or a stern warning (rule-breaking).
- Avoid using it towards superiors unless the relationship is very informal and comfortable.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners understand it's not about literally pushing 'luck' but about avoiding excessive risk-taking or testing boundaries.
- It's a caution against potential negative consequences, not a comment on actual luck or chance.
Examples
- You got away with being late twice this week, but don't push your luck.
- The teacher let you hand the essay in late this time, but don't push your luck by asking again.
- Okay, you won three rounds. Maybe quit while you're ahead? Don't push your luck.
Dialogue
Child: (After getting an extra cookie) Can I have just one more? Pleeeease?
Parent: You already got an extra one. Don't push your luck, finish the ones you have.
Child: Okay, Mom.
Social Media Examples
- Comment: (On a post about narrowly avoiding a problem) Wow, close call! Don't push your luck next time 😉
- Tweet: Got away with parking in a permit zone for an hour... shouldn't push my luck though, moving the car now! #ParkingWars
- Forum Post: I managed to overclock my CPU by 10% stable. Tempted to go higher but... don't wanna push my luck. 🔥
Response Patterns
- Okay, okay, I get it. I'll stop.
- Yeah, you're probably right.
- I was just kidding! (If the behavior was provocative)
- What do you mean? (If they don't understand why they're being warned)
- (Ignoring the warning, perhaps jokingly) Come on, one more time!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After acknowledging the warning (Okay, I get it):
- The person usually stops the risky behavior or refrains from taking the further action.
- The warner might nod in approval or simply drop the subject.
If the warning is ignored:
- The warner might reiterate (I'm serious) or wait to see the (potentially negative) outcome.
If clarification is asked (What do you mean?):
- The warner explains the potential negative consequences (The boss is already annoyed, You might lose all your winnings).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a warning given in response to someone's actions or stated intentions.
Intonation
- Often said in a warning or cautionary tone. Stress on DON'T, PUSH, and LUCK. DON'T PUSH your LUCK.
- Can range from friendly advice to a stern warning depending on context.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.