Sticking Your Neck Out

What is this used for? I always thought it was putting yourself out for the possibility of getting into trouble.

Yes-doing something that puts you at risk of being criticized, for example.

It does refer to risk and may have stemmed from turtles. When a turtle sticks its neck (and head)out, it becomes more vulnerable (in the open) to predators. But a turtle must leave the safe haven of its shell to eat and such. Which reminds me of another expression I've heard: "Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out."