skating on thin ice

Definitions

• being in a risky situation
  To be in a precarious or dangerous position, where any wrong move could have serious consequences

• being in a delicate situation
  To be in a sensitive or fragile situation, where one must proceed carefully to avoid causing harm or offense

Examples of skating on thin ice

• John's repeated criticisms of the boss have left him skating on thin ice.

  This idiom, "skating on thin ice," is used to describe a situation where a person is in a precarious or delicate position, where any misstep or mistake could result in serious consequences. In this example, John's continued comments about his boss have put him in a position where his job is in jeopardy, and any further criticism could cause him to lose his position altogether.

• The athlete's decision to compete against a more experienced opponent in a high-stakes competition left her skating on thin ice.

  This idiom, "skating on thin ice," is used to describe a situation where a person is taking a risk or making a bold move with potentially negative outcomes. The athlete in this example is putting her skills and reputation on the line by going up against a more experienced opponent in a high-stakes competition. If she performs poorly or loses, it could seriously damage her reputation and impact her future career opportunities.

• The diplomats' attempts to de-escalate tensions between the two nations have been skating on thin ice.

  This idiom, "skating on thin ice," is used to describe a situation where a delicate or sensitive negotiation or diplomatic effort is ongoing, but it could easily fall apart due to any misstep or misunderstanding. In this example, the diplomats are working to defuse tensions between two nations, but any miscommunication or misstep could lead to a breakdown in negotiations and potentially lead to greater conflict.

• Sarah's decision to disobey her boss's orders left her skating on thin ice.

  This idiom, "skating on thin ice," is used to describe a situation where a person is taking a risk or making a bold move with potentially negative outcomes. In this example, Sarah has chosen to disregard her boss's instructions, which puts her job and future career opportunities at risk. If her boss discovers that she has disobeyed his orders, it could result in serious consequences for Sarah's position within the company.

• The sales manager proposed a radical new strategy for the company, but some of the board members were skeptical and warned him that he was skating on thin ice.

  In this example, "skating on thin ice" is being used to describe a risky or uncertain situation where the outcomes are not clear, and the person involved is in danger of making a mistake or causing negative consequences. The sales manager's proposal is seen as a potential threat to the stability and success of the company, and those who warn him of this danger are trying to encourage him to be careful and avoid making any missteps.

• The politician's reputation was already fragile, and his recent comments on social media only made matters worse. Some political analysts said he was skating on thin ice, as his constituents were starting to lose faith in him.

  In this example, "skating on thin ice" refers to a situation where a person is already facing criticism or negative consequences, and any further mistakes or missteps could potentially lead to further damage to their reputation or career. The politician's previous mistakes and comments on social media had already put him in a precarious position, and his lack of action to address these issues could further damage his credibility and popularity among his constituents.

• The couple had been married for several years, but their relationship was strained and the signs of trouble were clear. Some close friends advised them to attend couples therapy, fearing that they were skating on thin ice and that things could get worse if they didn't take action.

  In this example, "skating on thin ice" refers to a relationship that is already in a delicate state, where any further conflicts or misunderstandings could potentially lead to a serious breakdown in communication or commitment. The couple's friends are trying to encourage them to address their issues and work on improving their marriage, as they fear that a lack of action could eventually lead to a permanent breakdown in their relationship.

• The athlete had a remarkable performance in the previous competition, but in the current one she stumbled and fell during an important moment, causing her team to lose the game. Her coach scolded her afterwards, saying "You were skating on thin ice, and now it's too late to make amends."

  In this example, "skating on thin ice" refers to a moment in the competition where the athlete was close to success, but then made a costly mistake that ultimately led to failure. Her coach's statement implies that the athlete was already in a precarious position, as she was already close to making a mistake that could affect the outcome of the game, and her subsequent failure is a result of her lack of focus and attention during that critical moment.

Conclusion

The idiom "skating on thin ice" is used to convey the idea of being in a risky or delicate situation. It can be used to warn someone about the dangers of their current position or to describe a situation that requires careful navigation to avoid negative outcomes.

Origin of "skating on thin ice"

The origin of the idiom "skating on thin ice" can be traced back to the literal act of skating on thin ice, which is a hazardous activity. Skating on ice that is too thin can lead to the ice breaking and the skater falling into freezing water. This literal danger has been used metaphorically to describe risky or delicate situations in various contexts. The idiom likely gained popularity due to its vivid imagery and relatable concept, making it a common phrase in English language usage. An example of its usage can be found in a sentence like, "She knew that asking her boss for a raise was like skating on thin ice."