When we ask someone “what have you got to lose?“, we’re encouraging them to take a risk or try something new by suggesting that the potential negative outcomes are minor or non-existent. It’s like saying, “Why not give it a try?” because there’s nothing significant that could be lost by attempting it.
Let’s see this phrase in two sentence examples:
Example 1:
“You should try out for the school play, what have you got to lose?”
Example 2:
“Even though the job was in a different city, her friend encouraged her by saying, ‘Apply for it, what have you got to lose?'”
Now, let’s see this in two conversation examples:
Example 3:
Mike: “I don’t know if I should ask her out. What if she says no?”
Emma: “But what if she says yes? Besides, what have you got to lose?”
Example 4:
Sam: “I’m thinking about starting my own business, but I’m scared.”
Lisa: “I think it’s a great idea, Sam. What have you got to lose?”
So, when we say “what have you got to lose?“, we’re encouraging someone to take a chance because the potential negative outcomes are either minor or non-existent. It’s a supportive way to motivate someone to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
