limb 
/ˈlɪm/ noun
plural limbs /ˈlɪm/ noun [count] 1 : a leg or arm
▪ Many soldiers died in the battle, and many lost limbs. ▪ an artificial limb ▪ a dog with an injured limb 2 : a large branch of a tree
▪ They tied a rope to one of the limbs of the maple tree. — see color picture
▪ Many soldiers died in the battle, and many lost limbs. ▪ an artificial limb ▪ a dog with an injured limb
▪ They tied a rope to one of the limbs of the maple tree. — see color picture
out on a limb
: in or into a risky or dangerous position or situation
▪ She went out on a limb to help you. [=she took a chance; she did something that meant she could be criticized or harmed in some way] ▪ If you try to oppose the boss yourself, you're likely to get caught out on a limb.
▪ She went out on a limb to help you. [=she took a chance; she did something that meant she could be criticized or harmed in some way] ▪ If you try to oppose the boss yourself, you're likely to get caught out on a limb.
risk life and limb — see 1life
tear (someone) limb from limb
: to attack or kill (someone) in a very violent way
▪ The angry mob would have torn him limb from limb if the police hadn't protected him.
▪ The angry mob would have torn him limb from limb if the police hadn't protected him.
— limbed /ˈlɪmd/ adjective — used in combination ▪ a strong-limbed young man [=a young man with strong arms and legs]
/ˈlɪmd/ adjective — used in combination ▪ a strong-limbed young man [=a young man with strong arms and legs]
