throw (one's) cap over the windmill



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

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Drest-Ancient Celtic
Serafimasye-rah-FEE-mah (Russian), see-rah-FEE-mah (Russian), se-rah-FEE-mah (Macedonian)Russian, Macedonian
Inez-English
Gisela-German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese
Ashman['æʃmən]
EngelbertENG-el-bert (German)German, Ancient Germanic