To “chance one’s arm” is a phrase that has it’s origin in Ireland. I means to take an extreme risk in the hope of getting a positive result. The phrase originally referred to an Irish chieftain who (during the siege of an enemy) hacked a hole into a door of an enemy castle and then stuck his arm through it to shake the enemy chieftain’s hand…while taking the chance that he might lose his arm to the chop of a sword on the other side. So impressed by his bravery, the enemy chieftain grasped his hand in friendship and agreed to discuss peace.
That act had since been known as “chancing your arm” and is used very often in Hiberno-English when you discuss taking a risk in the hope of something good.
@Henry: Because despite all of her annoyances, she’s still my best friend and I love her. It’s kind of hard to not hang out with her when you’re in my boots…
Aoife: You can stand her up at the gates of Hell, but she won’t back down. From her quest for an Ashling date. π
LOL! Holiday in Lesbos? That’s a little on the unsubtle side, Aoife.
Arm-chancing? I haven’t encountered that Britishism before.
@Azreal: True. The hope that one day that she might say “yes” is a strong motivator for her π
@Kessy: Aoife isn’t really the subtle type ;D
To “chance one’s arm” is a phrase that has it’s origin in Ireland. I means to take an extreme risk in the hope of getting a positive result. The phrase originally referred to an Irish chieftain who (during the siege of an enemy) hacked a hole into a door of an enemy castle and then stuck his arm through it to shake the enemy chieftain’s hand…while taking the chance that he might lose his arm to the chop of a sword on the other side. So impressed by his bravery, the enemy chieftain grasped his hand in friendship and agreed to discuss peace.
That act had since been known as “chancing your arm” and is used very often in Hiberno-English when you discuss taking a risk in the hope of something good.
@AsAshling: So, if Aiofe just continually harasses you about this, why do you hang out with her again?
@Henry: Because despite all of her annoyances, she’s still my best friend and I love her. It’s kind of hard to not hang out with her when you’re in my boots…
@Ashling: D’aw π I love you too! <3
What the? Aoife…why are you chatting to me via this comic? You are just across the corridor from me. I can even hear you typing!
It’s what people appear to be doing these days. If we were a couple we’d declare our love on the main TwitFace feed, to the annoyance of others π
Alright…but it’s so much easier to come over and just talk to me…
Hey Ashling….
Urg….what?
I’m going to the kitchen to get a snack for Γine and me. Do you want me to get anything for you?
(Face palm) I’m ok Aoife….but thank you…
Dawwww, so cute!! *dies from diabetic shock*