It’s an idiom mostly associated with–or so I understand–life in these United States, and it generally means that one gambles on a matter on which one isn’t sure of the outcome, but which might return well on an investment, if things work out.
Over the course of my life, I’ve generally taken “fliers” only as they relate to risks WRT human beings. And I’ve rarely been disappointed, because most human beings have proven to be deserving of my faith.
(TBC, I have–on rare occasions–been disappointed. LOL. You know who you are. And I’ve tried to learn from my mistakes, even if they include you.)
Otherwise–and beyond the simple human being thing–I think I’ve “taken a flier” only once in my life.
It was on the advice of a person I trusted at the time. And it was WRT an amount of money I happened across, and came into, via unexpected circumstance. I took less than five percent of the total amount, and invested it at my friend’s recommendation. Basically, I threw it away, unconcerned about whether I ever made it back, or if it would redound to my benefit. But hoping that–perhaps–it might.
So far (six years later), I’ve seen no return on my investment. Neither has my friend, on his own monies.
He’s angry about it, as his regular unhinged rants featuring photos of women’s underwear and his own laughable shark-jumping accusations would indicate. Not to mention the times he’s called me out, as if I were someone who roped him in, rather than the other way round.
I am not–at this point–all that worked up about it.
I (and my survivors) have all the time in the world to wait. And I’m willing to do so, even on their behalf. Because if it works out, it’ll all be worth it. And if it doesn’t, well, it was money I didn’t have before, and so I won’t miss it when it’s gone. Those of you who made less informed decisions, I’m sorry for you.
I still trust my friends to do their best. They might not prevail, but they’ve been working bloody hard, and whatever happens, it won’t be for want of trying.
I still believe.
Cheers, y’all.
I still believe!