[VP; subj: human]
=====
⇒ to put o.s. in a dangerous position, in a position where one could be shot, severely punished etc:
- X подставил лоб{{}}≈ X made himself an open target;
- X presented himself as a target;
- [in refer, to shooting only] X risked having his brains blown out;
- X stood there waiting to be shot at.
♦ "Скверно! - решил он наконец, - скверно [, что будет дуэль], с какой стороны ни посмотри. Во-первых, надо будет подставлять лоб и во всяком случае уехать..." (Тургенев 2). "Yes, it's [dueling is] a bad business," he decided at last. "A bad business from whatever angle one looks at it. Firstly I risk having my brains blown out, and in any case I shall have to go away from here. (2c). "It's [dueling is] a bad business!" he decided finally. "A bad business, whichever way you look at it. In the first place I'll have to stand there waiting to be shot at. and whatever happens I'll have to leave. " (2e).
Большой русско-английский фразеологический словарь. — М.: ACT-ПРЕСС КНИГА. С.И. Лубенская. 2004.