tempt fate — ● tempt * * * tempt fate/providence/ phrase to say or to do something that may cause problems, or to cause your good luck to end Don’t tempt fate by saying we can win. Thesaurus: to cause problems for yourself … Useful english dictionary
tempt — S3 [tempt] v [T] [Date: 1200 1300; : Old French; Origin: tempter, tenter, from Latin temptare, tentare to feel, try, tempt ] 1.) to try to persuade someone to do something by making it seem attractive tempt sb into doing sth ▪ The new program is… … Dictionary of contemporary English
tempt — [ tempt ] verb transitive ** 1. ) often passive to make you want to do or have something, especially something that is not good for you: The store windows were lit invitingly, tempting the late shoppers. Do you want another drink? I m tempted. be … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
Tempt — Tempt, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tempted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Tempting}.] [OE. tempten, tenten, from OF. tempter, tenter, F. tenter, fr. L. tentare, temptare, to handle, feel, attack, to try, put to the test, urge, freq. from tendere, tentum, and tensum … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
tempt providence — tempt fate/providence/ phrase to say or to do something that may cause problems, or to cause your good luck to end Don’t tempt fate by saying we can win. Thesaurus: to cause problems for yourselfsynonym fate and destinysynonym … Useful english dictionary
tempt´er — tempt «tehmpt», transitive verb. 1. to make or try to make (a person) do something: »The sight of the food tempted the hungry man to steal. SYNONYM(S): lure, inveigle, decoy. 2. to appeal strongly to; attract: »That candy tempts me. SYNONYM( … Useful english dictionary
tempt´a|ble — tempt «tehmpt», transitive verb. 1. to make or try to make (a person) do something: »The sight of the food tempted the hungry man to steal. SYNONYM(S): lure, inveigle, decoy. 2. to appeal strongly to; attract: »That candy tempts me. SYNONYM( … Useful english dictionary
tempt providence — If you tempt providence, you take a risk that may well have unpleasant consequences. ( Tempt fate is also used.) … The small dictionary of idiomes
tempt — ► VERB 1) entice (someone) to do something against their better judgement. 2) (be tempted to do) have an urge or inclination to do. 3) attract; charm. ● tempt fate (or providence) Cf. ↑tempt providence … English terms dictionary
tempt´ing|ness — tempt|ing «TEHMP tihng», adjective. that tempts; alluring; inviting: »A nap is a tempting idea. –tempt´ing|ly, adverb. –tempt´ing|ness, noun … Useful english dictionary
tempt´ing|ly — tempt|ing «TEHMP tihng», adjective. that tempts; alluring; inviting: »A nap is a tempting idea. –tempt´ing|ly, adverb. –tempt´ing|ness, noun … Useful english dictionary
