Nothing To Lose, It Can't Hurt, A Babe In The Woods

Nothing To Lose
A person with "nothing to lose" is someone who does not stand to suffer significant harm by taking particular risks.

Literally, we all have something to lose - unless we're dead, we can lose our lives. However, as a figure of speech, this phrase has quite a few uses.

Example: "I know you tried calling the front desk twice already and got a busy signal, but you have nothing to lose by trying again. So keep trying, OK?"

It Can't Hurt
If used literally, this phrase would mean that a particular action will not cause you physical pain or injury. When used figuratively, however, this means that a particular action will not cause you harm, whatever form that harm might take.

Example: "It can't hurt to try a new approach to dating. You're not having much success as it is; what do you have to lose?"

A Babe In The Woods
The expression "a babe in the woods" is used to represent someone who is innocent and vulnerable and in great danger of being victimized, figuratively.

Example: "My mother's a babe in the woods when it comes to buying cars. She ends up spending much more money than she has to because she just doesn't understand how to hold out for a better deal." Here, the speaker's mother is naive in the ways of business.


➤ Read more idioms and phrases, English grammar and vocabulary at Basic English Grammar And Vocabulary .