fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill



fling (one's) bonnet 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 bonnet over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your bonnet over the windmill.
See also: bonnet, fling, windmill

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Nicodemonee-ko-DE-mo (Italian), nee-ko-DHE-mo (Spanish)Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Meraud-Cornish
AbileneAB-i-leen (English), ab-i-LEE-nee (English)Biblical
Charna-Yiddish
KadeKAYDEnglish (Modern)
Daireann-Irish Mythology