What does it mean to tread on ice?
What does it mean to tread on ice?
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbe (walking/treading/skating) on thin icebe (walking/treading/skating) on thin iceto be in a situation in which you are likely to upset someone or cause trouble I was on thin ice, and I knew it. He was on thin ice before.
Where does the expression walking on thin ice come from?
the idiomatic expression on thin ice originated from Holland, now known as Netherlands. Skating originated from there and skating on thin ice was a phrase commonly used especially when seas/rivers/streams freeze during the winter and then people skate over them.
What does on ice mean in slang?
In prison, as in He’s been on ice for ten years. This usage may be derived in part from the slang term cooler for “jail.” [ Slang; c.
What is another word for thin ice?
What is another word for thin ice?
| harm’s way | danger |
|---|---|
| insecurity | precariousness |
| uncertainty | instability |
| difficulty | vulnerability |
| exposure | exigency |
What is meant by be on thin ice?
See synonyms for on thin ice on Thesaurus.com. In a precarious or risky position, as in After failing the midterm, he was on thin ice with his math teacher. This metaphor is often rounded out as skate on thin ice, as in He knew he was skating on thin ice when he took his rent money with him to the racetrack.
Is on thin ice an idiom?
So literally, on thin ice means you are standing on ice that is too thin to support your weight (and you’re most likely to fall through the ice). Idioms use figurative meanings of course—so on thin ice means being in a risky, dangerous or uncertain situation.
What does hit a nail on the head mean?
to say something that is exactly right or completely true. With regard to the gentleman’s comments, I think he has hit the nail right on the head. Synonyms and related words. To do something well or better than someone else.
What does treading on egg shells mean?
to be very careful
to be very careful how you behave around someone because you might easily make them angry or upset. We’re all walking on eggshells around her since her dog died.
Is ice slang for diamonds?
A diamond is often referred to as ice. Diamonds are not only called ‘ice’ due to their clear, colourless crystal appearance but because of its ability to conduct heat higher than any other gemstone.
What does it mean thin ice?
What’s another word for walking on eggshells?
What is another word for walking on egg shells?
| cautious | careful |
|---|---|
| discreet | gingerly |
| hesitant | judicious |
| leery | mindful |
| provident | safe |
What does the phrase through thick and thin mean?
Definition of through thick and thin : through many difficult times over a long period She stood by me through thick and thin.
What does the idiom’skating on thin ice’mean?
In a precarious or risky position, as in After failing the midterm, he was on thin ice with his math teacher. This metaphor is often rounded out as skate on thin ice, as in He knew he was skating on thin ice when he took his rent money with him to the racetrack. This idiom, which alludes to the danger that treading on thin ice will cause it…
What does it mean to walk on Thin Ice?
on thin ice 1. Lit. on ice that is too thin to support one. (See also skate on thin ice; walk on thin ice.)
What does Jefferson mean by’on Thin Ice’?
on thin ice Precariously close to getting into trouble, difficulty, or danger. You’re on thin ice, Jefferson. In a precarious or risky position, as in After failing the midterm, he was on thin ice with his math teacher.
When did Ralph Waldo Emerson use the idiom on Thin Ice?
This idiom, which alludes to the danger that treading on thin ice will cause it to break, was first used figuratively by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Prudence (1841): “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust.
