fling (one's) hat over the windmill



fling (one's) hat over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her hat over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your hat over the windmill.
See also: fling, hat, windmill

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Guiomargee-oo-MAR (Portuguese), gee-o-MAHR (Spanish)Portuguese, Spanish, Arthurian Romance
Kalyan-Indian, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu
Mikimee-keeJapanese
HollisHAHL-isEnglish
Ji-Hunjee-hoonKorean
Parvana-Azerbaijani, Persian