On a slippery slope, taking unnecessary risks? (3-5)
I believe the answer is:
off-piste
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'on a slippery slope' is the first definition.
(off-piste is away from prepared ski slopes)
'taking unnecessary risks?' is the second definition.
(to go off piste is to stray from convention)
(Other definitions for off-piste that I've seen before include "Away from the regular runs in skiing" , "Away from prepared ski runs" , "On unauthorised ski slope" .)