Tempting the gods means to take risks or engage in actions that may provoke divine retribution. Synonyms for this phrase include courting disaster, inviting catastrophe, playing with fire, tempting fate, dancing with the devil, and pushing your luck. These idiomatic expressions all carry the connotation of recklessness or hubris, suggesting that the speaker is aware of the danger but is willing to take the risk anyway. While tempting the gods may seem like a bold or daring move, it often results in negative consequences, emphasizing the need to exercise caution and respect in all aspects of life.