English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Skating on thin ice
Meaning
The idiom "skating on thin ice" is used to describe a situation where someone is taking a risk or doing something that is precarious, with the potential for danger or disaster. It can also be used to describe a delicate balance in which any misstep could upset the stability of the situation.
Usage
- The CEO of the company had been "skating on thin ice" for months, but finally, he was fired due to poor performance.
- After his reckless driving incident, John had been "skating on thin ice" with his insurance company.
- The relationship between the two siblings had been "skating on thin ice" ever since their parents divorced.
- The new CEO had been "skating on thin ice" by making drastic changes to the company's policies without consulting employees first.
- With the stock market in a volatile state, investors were "skating on thin ice" when making investment decisions.
Roots and History
The idiom is believed to have originated from the sport of ice skating in the 19th century. Skaters would perform tricks on thin sheets of ice, which could easily crack or break if they put too much weight on it. The phrase "skating on thin ice" eventually came to be used metaphorically to describe any situation that was precarious or risky.
Synonyms in English
- Treading on dangerous ground
- Walking a tightrope
- Playing with fire
- Risking everything
- Flirting with disaster
Synonyms in other languages
- 煙中逃 (Chinese) - This idiom means "to escape through smoke" and is used to describe a situation where someone manages to evade danger.
- 拐導 (Japanese) - This idiom means "to lead astray" and is used to describe someone who misguides or deceives others.
- 隱転疾壓 (Vietnamese) - This idiom means "to hide a failure" and is used to describe a situation where someone tries to cover up a mistake or failure.
- אתהוים של צערנים (Hebrew) - This idiom means "those who live in fear" and is used to describe a group of people who are afraid to take risks or act decisively.