parapet
(pærəpɪt )
Word forms: parapets
1. countable noun
A parapet is a low wall along the edge of something high such as a bridge or roof.
2. put one's head above the parapet/keep one's head below the parapet phrase
If you say that someone puts their head above the parapet, you mean they take a risk. If you say they keep their head below the parapet, you mean they avoid taking a risk. [British]
Image of parapet
© N-sky, Shutterstock
Idioms:
put your head above the parapet [British]
to do or say something in public that has previously been kept private, and risk being criticized or attacked
This is a policy option which cannot be ignored – although no-one is prepared to put their head above the parapet to say so.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers