PhrasesHub

walked on eggshells

    Definitions

      • to be very careful or cautious
        to describe a situation where someone is being extremely careful and delicate in their actions and words, usually because they are afraid of upsetting someone or causing a problem

      • to feel tense or uneasy
        to express feeling uncomfortable or nervous in a particular situation, often due to the fear of saying or doing something that could upset someone else

    Examples of walked on eggshells

    • The newlyweds avoided any topics that might spark an argument during dinner with his overbearing mother. They walked on eggshells, afraid to make a misstep that might set her off.

      The idiom "walked on eggshells" is used to describe a situation where people are incredibly cautious and sensitive, afraid of causing offense or upsetting someone else. It comes from the image of walking carefully through a room filled with fragile eggshells, avoiding breaking them and making a mess. In this example, the newlyweds are being extremely careful around the mother-in-law, who may have strong and unpredictable opinions. By avoiding potentially inflammatory topics, they hope to maintain peace and harmony in the household.

    • The CEO called a meeting with his top executives to address the company's recent losses. Everyone treaded lightly, unwilling to take the blame or point fingers. They walked on eggshells, hoping to avoid any unintended consequences.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be applied to a professional or work-related scenario. The CEO and his executives are being cautious and diplomatic in their discussion, mindful of the potential fallout if they say or do the wrong thing. By walking on eggshells, they hope to avoid further financial damage and preserve their reputations.

    • After the break-up, the ex-couple tried to maintain some level of communication, but it was often tense and uncomfortable. They walked on eggshells, afraid to say anything that might set off a flood of old emotions.

      This example demonstrates how "walked on eggshells" can be used to describe the aftermath of a relationship ending. The ex-couple is being very careful about what they say to each other, recognizing the sensitivity of the situation. By walking on eggshells, they're hoping to avoid any unnecessary pain or conflict, and perhaps even lay the groundwork for a future reconciliation.

    • The sales team was nervous about presenting their new product line to the board of directors. They rehearsed their pitch for hours, seeking feedback and trying to anticipate any questions or objections. When the board meeting finally arrived, the team walked on eggshells, trying to balance confidence and humility.

      This example shows how "walked on eggshells" can be applied in a high-pressure, high-stakes situation. The sales team is being very deliberate and measured in their presentation, knowing that the board's decision could have a major impact on their business. By walking on eggshells, they're being cautious and respectful, while also communicating their confidence in the new product line.

    • The boss was in a foul mood today, so we walked on eggshells during our meeting, avoiding any topics that might upset her.

      The idiom "walked on eggshells" in this example means that we were very careful and cautious in our words and actions because we didn't want to anger the boss or cause an argument. We tried to avoid contributing to any negative or tense atmosphere in the meeting.

    • After the argument they had last night, my parents are still walking on eggshells around each other.

      Here, the idiom "walked on eggshells" is used to convey that there is still a lot of tension and fragility in the relationship between the parents after their fight. They are being extremely sensitive and cautious in their interactions with each other, not wanting to upset the delicate peace that they have created since the argument.

    • I've been walking on eggshells around my friend Sarah since she broke up with her boyfriend.

      In this example, "walking on eggshells" implies that the speaker is treading carefully and being sensitive to Sarah's feelings because she is still recovering from her recent break-up. The speaker is avoiding any actions or statements that might unintentionally hurt Sarah's feelings or bring back any painful memories.

    • The negotiation went smoothly, and we didn't have to walk on eggshells.

      This example uses the idiom "walked on eggshells" to indicate a contrast between the current negotiation and past ones. In previous negotiations, there may have been a lot of tension and sensitivity, but in this one, everything went smoothly, and there was no need to be extremely careful and cautious with words or actions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "walked on eggshells" can be used to convey the idea of being extremely careful or cautious in a situation, often because of the fear of upsetting someone. It can also express a feeling of tension or uneasiness due to the possibility of causing trouble.

    Origin of "walked on eggshells"

    The origin of the idiom "walked on eggshells" can be traced back to the late 17th century. The phrase likely comes from the idea of walking on actual eggshells, which are very fragile and require careful and delicate steps to avoid breaking them. This visual imagery of delicacy and caution has been used metaphorically to describe situations where people need to be extremely careful in their actions and words to avoid causing problems or upsetting others.

    One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase can be found in a letter written by the English poet Alexander Pope in 1711, where he wrote, "I walk on the same egg-shells every day in fear of offending some one or other." Over time, the idiom has become a common expression in the English language to describe situations where extreme caution and sensitivity are required.