PhrasesHub

On thin ice

    Definitions

      • in a dangerous or precarious situation
        To describe a situation where someone is at risk of facing negative consequences or outcomes due to their actions or decisions. It can also be used to caution someone against taking a risky or uncertain path.

      • on shaky ground
        Similar to the previous meaning, this idiom can also be used to indicate that someone is in a vulnerable or unstable position. It can refer to a fragile relationship or a tenuous situation where any wrong move could lead to negative consequences.

    Examples of On thin ice

    • John's new business idea is on thin ice. The market is unpredictable, and if it doesn't gain traction soon, it could sink.

      The idiom "on thin ice" is used to describe a situation that is precarious or risky. It originates from the image of someone standing on a thin layer of ice that could easily break and cause them to fall through. In this example, John's business idea is in a vulnerable position, and if it doesn't succeed soon, it could fail completely.

    • The CEO's decision to lay off employees without consulting the board was on thin ice. The move was seen as a unilateral power play, and it put the CEO's job security in jeopardy.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a decision that was risky and could have negative consequences. The CEO's action put them in a precarious position, as it could have led to a loss of trust and support from the board.

    • The athlete's performance in the final round was on thin ice. A small mistake could have cost them the championship.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a situation where a small error could have serious consequences. The athlete's performance was delicate and required precision, and any mistake could have cost them the championship.

    • The relationship between the two countries was on thin ice after the diplomatic incident. Any further missteps could lead to a breakdown in relations.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a relationship that is fragile and could easily deteriorate. The incident in question had put the relationship between the two countries at risk, and any further missteps could lead to a complete breakdown in relations.

    • The detective's investigation was on thin ice when the key witness recanted their testimony. The case could have fallen apart without new evidence.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a situation where new evidence is required to strengthen a weak case. The witness's recantation had put the investigation in a precarious position, and new evidence was needed to keep the case from falling apart.

    • The patient's health was on thin ice after the surgery, and any complications could have been fatal.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a situation where the patient's health is in a critical state. The surgery had put the patient's health at risk, and any complications could have been fatal.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on thin ice" is commonly used to express a sense of danger or uncertainty. It can be used to describe a person's actions, decisions, or relationships that are at risk of failing or causing harm. This idiom is often used as a warning or caution to advise against taking a particular course of action or to highlight the precariousness of a situation.

    Origin of "On thin ice"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal meaning of walking on thin ice, which refers to walking on frozen water that is not thick enough to support one's weight. This can be a dangerous and risky activity as the ice may break at any moment, causing the person to fall into the cold water.

    Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a figurative one, where "thin ice" came to represent a dangerous or uncertain situation. This could be attributed to the fact that walking on thin ice requires caution and can result in negative consequences if one is not careful. The idiom is believed to have originated in the 1800s and has been used in various forms of literature and media since then.

    In conclusion, the idiom "on thin ice" carries a strong sense of warning and caution, emphasizing the potential dangers and risks associated with a particular situation or action. Its origin can be traced back to the literal meaning of walking on thin ice, but it has evolved to convey a metaphorical meaning that is widely used in everyday language.