In jeopardy
Meaning
To be in a situation where something is at risk of harm, loss, or failure.
Origin
The word "jeopardy" traces its roots back to the Old French term "jeu parti," which literally translates to "a game divided" or "an even game." This wasn't just any game; it often referred to a high-stakes scenario, a contest with an uncertain outcome where the chances of winning or losing were finely balanced. Imagine a medieval knight's duel, a legal trial where one's life hung in the balance, or a complex chess problem where every move carried immense risk. When this word made its way into English in the 14th century, it brought with it that potent sense of being at a critical juncture, where the outcome was finely balanced between success and failure, safety and danger. From this root, "in jeopardy" evolved to succinctly capture the essence of being in a state of extreme vulnerability, where everything is on the line.
Examples
- The rare species' habitat is in jeopardy due to rapid deforestation and climate change.
- If the company doesn't meet its sales targets this quarter, many jobs could be in jeopardy.