throw (one's) hat over the windmill



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

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Crosby['krɔ:zbi]
Ana['ænə]
Mariamah-REE-ah (Italian, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch), mə-REE-ə (Catalan, English), MAHR-yah (Polish), MAH-ree-ah (Finnish)Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Occitan, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Faroese, Dutch, Frisian,
Althea[æl'θi:ə]
VernVURNEnglish
Aliciaa-LEE-thya (Spanish), a-LEE-sya (Latin American Spanish), ə-LIS-yə (English), ə-LIS-ee-ə (English), ə-LISH-ə (English), ə-LEE-shə (English)Spanish, English