When taking a risky decision, you can opt for other phrases to convey the same meaning as "run a risk." For instance, you can say "court disaster," "gamble," "put oneself in harms' way," "take a chance," or "venture." All these alternatives describe an activity that may lead to unfavorable results or adverse consequences. You can also use the phrase "play with fire" to imply that one is intentionally exposing themselves to danger and urging fate to work in their favor. Ultimately, these synonyms for "run a risk" remind us that not all decisions carry the same weight, and it's crucial to consider the possible outcomes before taking a leap of faith.