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Skating/treading/walking on thin ice. Whether to skate, tread, or walk on thin ice is very risky and can put one in a perilous situation. The expression is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) in Essays (1841) when he wrote, “In skating over thin ice our safety lies in speed.”
5 mar 2024 · The phrase to be skating on, or over, thin ice means: to court danger by behaving in an obviously risky manner that cannot be sustained for long.
The earliest recorded use of the phrase dates back to the 17th century when it was used to describe literal situations where people were walking on thin ice. It was often used as a warning for people who were venturing out onto frozen lakes or rivers during winter months.
To act or proceed with great care, caution, and consideration so as not to upset someone or trigger some imminent disaster. The littlest thing tends to anger my mother, so I feel like I have to walk on thin ice whenever I'm at her house.
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.
To do something very risky or dangerous that could result in imminent repercussions or disaster. Tim flaunts the way he walks on thin ice with his risky investments, but one of these days he's going to end up losing it all.You're walking on thin ice by continuing to come in late like that. If the boss notices, you'll be fired for sure.
(skating / treading / walking) on thin ice: 1. in a dangerous position where you could fall or have an unfavorable result; 2) in a risky or uncertain situation. Notes: If you walk, tread or skate on thin ice there is a good chance that you might fall through the ice and into the freezing cold water.