46 People Who Escaped Danger By Trusting Their Gut
There’s something hardwired in us—a sixth sense that flares up when trouble is near. It’s not magic or paranoia. It’s instinct. That deep-down feeling that says, “Get out now” or “Something isn’t right here.” And sometimes, that feeling is the only thing that stands between someone and a very bad outcome.
In this gripping collection, people recount real-life moments where quick thinking, dumb luck, or a flash of bravery helped them narrowly avoid disaster. From awkward muggings and botched robberies to clever escapes and accidental rescues, these stories show just how powerful the human survival instinct can be.
1. The High That Saved a Life
by rangerRevolution
I was totally stoned, wandering near a bridge at night, when I stumbled upon a guy sitting alone. We lit up and chatted. He was on the edge—literally and emotionally. Said he’d been planning to end it. But we talked, and he changed his mind. That was four years ago. I’m going to his wedding next month. Never thought offering someone weed could be life-saving.
2. Officer Posh Reporting In
by EllenBrody
My uni friend looked like he’d stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad—posh accent, polished curls, tweed jacket. One night, a group of teens tried to mug him. Without missing a beat, he grabbed his lapel and said, “Control, this is Officer Thompson. Three suspects engaging. Need backup.” They ran. If they’d realized his “radio” was just his coat, it might’ve ended differently.
3. Knife vs. Bladder
by CuntyMcGiggles
In a bar bathroom, pretty drunk, relieving myself when chaos breaks out—a guy pulls a knife. In my surprise, I turned too fast mid-stream and accidentally sprayed him. Right in the face. He screamed, dropped the knife, and bolted. I became a local legend among the drunks that night: The Urinal Avenger.
4. When In Doubt, Pretend You Work There
by craftedbarley
I was underage at a bar when cops started checking IDs. I casually grabbed a trash bag a bartender had tied up and walked straight out the side door, tossing it in the bin outside. One cop even nodded at me. I disappeared down the street like I was part of the cleaning crew.
5. The Joker Floodlight Maneuver
by consin
Someone broke into my house while I was home alone. I couldn’t call for help—phones were downstairs. So I grabbed a massive floodlight, snuck down, and waited. When the guy stepped into the hallway, I lit him up like the sun and burst out laughing like a movie villain. He screamed, passed out cold, and soiled himself. I called the cops. He’s in prison now.
6. The Retail Stall Tactic
by theultrayik
Working at a store plagued with repeat thieves, we spotted one mid-scam. While my manager called the cops, I stalled him. Chatted, faked system errors, even offered a free pretzel from the food court to keep him busy. He munched contentedly until police arrived. Shoplifting never tasted so salty.
7. Hammer Time in San Francisco
by skjellyfetti
Walking through a rough neighborhood at 2AM with $1,500 in tools on me, I had a realization: “Be scarier than the scary people.” I pulled out a hammer, screamed nonsense, bashed random objects, and staggered down the street like a lunatic. People crossed the road to avoid me. That madness got me home in one piece.
8. Wrong Car, Wrong Kids
by Nymeria007
My brother and his friends threw water balloons from a tree and hit the worst possible car. Huge, furious guy comes out screaming. I intervened: “I have a better idea…” Handed him the hose. He soaked the kids for 20 minutes until they climbed down and apologized. Crisis averted—barely.
9. The Return of the Jedi Mind Trick
by brett96
We accidentally hit a guy in a suit with a water balloon. He stormed over, raging. I jumped in before he could unleash hell and yelled, “They got you too?!” He paused, nodded furiously, and joined our fake manhunt for the culprits. We all hopped in our cars and drove off—in opposite directions.