expression, godan verb (-tsu)
let loose a tiger in the field; unleash something dangerous
Idiomatic expression meaning to release a dangerous person or thing into an uncontrolled environment, causing potential harm. Often used metaphorically.
そんな危険な人物を野放しにするのは、虎を野に放つようなものだ。
Leaving such a dangerous person at large is like letting a tiger loose in the field.
野放し means leaving something unattended or free, but lacks the explicit metaphor of releasing a dangerous entity into a vulnerable environment.
The expression literally means 'to release a tiger into the field,' evoking the danger of setting a powerful predator free where it can cause harm. The metaphorical use is well-established in Japanese.