take a flier

What It Is

To take a flier means to invest in a highly risky asset or to try for the first time.

How It Works

John Doe starts his own business. He looks for angel investors to give him seed capital. One day, he meets Jane Smith, who decides to take a flier on John's business by investing $50,000.

Why It Matters

When an investor takes a flier, he or she takes a big risk. Sometimes that risk pays off; sometimes it doesn't. However, the willingness to take a flier is what turns ideas into reality -- and profit.

Source: Investing Answers