Lead with your chin Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɛd/, /ˈɫid/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈtʃɪn

LED-with-yer-CHIN or LEED-with-yer-CHIN

UK

lɛd/ /wˈɪð/ /jˈɔː/ /tʃˈɪn

LED-with-yaw-CHIN

Definition

To act or speak in a way that makes you an obvious target for criticism, trouble, or attack—especially by being too bold or careless.

Usage & Nuances

Primarily used in informal spoken and written English. Often describes someone inviting trouble or criticism, especially by being overly bold or careless. Similar to 'put yourself in the line of fire.' Not used for literal physical movement.

• Spanish: ponerse en evidencia - exponerse (a críticas/problemas)
• Portuguese (BR): dar a cara para bater - se expor (a críticas/problemas)
• Portuguese (PT): dar a cara - expor-se (a críticas/problemas)
• Chinese (Simplified): 自找麻烦 - 主动暴露弱点
• Chinese (Traditional): 自找麻煩 - 主動暴露弱點
• Hindi: खुद को मुश्किल में डालना - खुद को खुला छोड़ना
• Arabic: تُعرض نفسك للخطر - تقدم نفسك للنقد
• Bengali: নিজেকে বিপদে ফেলা - নিজেকে উন্মুক্ত করা
• Russian: подставляться - лезть на рожон
• Japanese: 自分から危険に飛び込む - わざわざ弱点をさらす
• Vietnamese: tự đẩy mình vào rắc rối - tự vạch áo cho người xem lưng
• Korean: 스스로 약점을 드러내다 - 위험에 뛰어들다
• Turkish: kendi açıklarını ortaya koymak - tehlikeye atılmak
• Urdu: اپنے آپ کو مصیبت میں ڈالنا - خود کو ظاہر کرنا
• Indonesian: membuka kelemahan sendiri - menjerumuskan diri ke dalam masalah

Example Sentences

If you lead with your chin, you might get into trouble.

basic

He likes to lead with his chin in meetings.

basic

Don’t lead with your chin when talking to your boss.

basic

You really led with your chin during that interview.

natural

Wow, you’re really leading with your chin with that comment.

natural

I wouldn't lead with my chin if I were you—just lay low for now.

natural