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
AmbroŽ-Slovene, Czech (Rare)
Hieronymushee-RO-nee-muws (German)German, Dutch (Archaic), Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Nahia-Basque
Evgenyyev-GYE-nee, eev-GYE-neeRussian
Thietmar-Ancient Germanic
Clarissa[klə'risə]