Tempt fate/providence Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Consequence Ignorance The phrase implies that a person is ignoring potential consequences of their actions. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is tempting fate. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome Usually suggests that the risk taken could lead to a negative outcome, not a positive one. Skipping the rope safety course is really tempting fate. Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Caution Often used as a warning or to express concern for someone's careless behavior. You're tempting fate if you don't back up your computer files.