Signification
Taking a high-risk action.
Contexte culturel
In Russian business, 'идти ва-банк' is often seen as a sign of a leader who is not afraid of failure. It is a trait often associated with entrepreneurs. Many classic Russian novels feature characters who 'идти ва-банк' in moments of existential crisis. It is a recurring theme of the 'do-or-die' spirit. Younger generations use the phrase in gaming and startup culture, often as a synonym for 'all-in'. Historically, the phrase was used in aristocratic salons. Today, it has lost its aristocratic flair and is used by everyone.
Don't add prepositions
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк'. Never add 'в' or 'на' before it.
Use it for big risks
Don't use it for small decisions. It sounds too dramatic.
Signification
Taking a high-risk action.
Don't add prepositions
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк'. Never add 'в' or 'на' before it.
Use it for big risks
Don't use it for small decisions. It sounds too dramatic.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'пойти ва-банк' for a specific moment and 'идти ва-банк' for the process.
It's a common idiom
You will hear it in news, movies, and casual conversation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Он решил ______, чтобы выиграть этот конкурс.
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк' without any extra prepositions.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк' without prepositions.
Match the situation to the appropriate reaction.
You are in a business meeting and you have no other choice but to risk everything.
This is the correct idiom for taking a high-stakes risk.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Мы проигрываем.' B: 'Тогда нам остается только ______.'
In a losing situation, going all-in is the only option.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesОн решил ______, чтобы выиграть этот конкурс.
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк' without any extra prepositions.
Which sentence is correct?
The idiom is 'идти ва-банк' without prepositions.
You are in a business meeting and you have no other choice but to risk everything.
This is the correct idiom for taking a high-stakes risk.
A: 'Мы проигрываем.' B: 'Тогда нам остается только ______.'
In a losing situation, going all-in is the only option.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's a standard idiom used in all registers.
It's better to avoid it in very formal writing, but it's fine in business discussions.
It means risking everything, but you might win.
It's a loan from French, and the hyphen is part of the original spelling.
No, it's used for any high-stakes situation.
No, that's a common mistake. Just say 'я пошел ва-банк'.
Yes, it's very common.
Then you shouldn't use this phrase.
Yes, like 'ставить всё на кон'.
Yes, very often.
Yes, for grand gestures.
It sounds bold and decisive, not necessarily aggressive.
Expressions liées
Сжигать мосты
similarTo cut off all retreat.
Рискнуть всем
synonymTo risk everything.
Поставить на кон
similarTo put on the line.
Играть с огнем
similarTo play with fire.
