Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

russian-roulette

Noun

/ˈrʌʃ.ən ruˈlɛt/

Definition

A dangerous game of chance in which a player places a single bullet in a revolver, spins the cylinder, closes it, points the gun at their own head, and pulls the trigger, risking death or injury.

Examples

During the intense scene, the character played a game of Russian roulette to highlight his desperation.
Many consider engaging in extreme sports to be like playing Russian roulette with one’s safety.
Russian roulette is often depicted in films to illustrate reckless behavior.

Meaning

A risky situation where the outcome is uncertain and could lead to severe consequences, often taken metaphorically to describe any high-stakes gamble.