out on a limb

[vectra]

Hello,

Does these sentences sound OK?
1. Having told the truth, Paul appeared in a risky position (change for out on a limb). Now he was suspected.


Why do you underestimate him? (change for sell him short)
Wearing glasses is not a cause to underestimate a man.

Thank you for the time and help.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello,

Do these sentences sound OK?
1. Having told the truth, Paul appeared in to be in a risky position/to be out on a limb. (change for out on a limb). Now he was suspected.


Why do you underestimate him? (change for sell him short)
Wearing glasses is not a cause to underestimate a man.

Thank you for the time and help.

I don't think "sell him short" works.

 

[Barb_D]

You could say he knew he was going out on a limb by telling the truth, knowing he might draw suspicion.

 

[vectra]

As you might have guessed, 'sell him short=underestamate' is one of those expressions my students will have to get their heads around on Friday. I am sure they will do fine. They are serious-minded, and have been revising all this time.
But the expression itself causes some questions. Could you give an example sentence for me to see the way it is normally used in everyday speech? Or has it dropped from everyday usage?

Thank you in advance.