Risk is probably the most important aspect of ERC. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the most elusive one. Many researchers often wonder what high-risk research means and how to express it in their application. Consequently, they struggle to assess whether their project entails the level and type of risk expected by the ERC. In this article, we will decipher the ERC high-risk enigma and offer clarifications that will assist in the process. The following guidelines and recommendations are relevant to all scientific disciplines and to research