PhrasesHub

walking on eggshells

    Definitions

      • being overly cautious
        Acting in a very careful or sensitive manner to avoid offending or upsetting someone

      • tense or uneasy atmosphere
        Describing a situation where people are very careful with their words or actions because they fear causing conflict or tension

    Examples of walking on eggshells

    • In their first meeting, Sarah sat across from her boss, who had recently fired someone from their department. She could feel the tension in the air and knew that she needed to tread lightly. She spoke slowly and carefully, choosing her words carefully, in order to avoid saying anything that might upset him. She felt as though she were walking on eggshells, trying not to make a wrong move.

      The idiom "walking on eggshells" refers to the delicate and nervous situation where one must be extremely cautious in their actions or words in order to avoid upsetting another person. This can often be seen in tense or volatile relationships, such as in the case of Sarah and her boss. By using this idiom, the writer is able to convey the high level of sensitivity and caution required in this particular circumstance.

    • During the staff meeting, Sarah's boss gave her a warning about her recent mistakes, and now Sarah is walking on eggshells, trying not to make any more errors and avoid further reprimands.

      The idiom "walking on eggshells" is used to describe a situation where a person is extremely cautious and treads lightly to avoid causing offense or making a negative impression. In Sarah's case, she is being extra careful in her work to avoid making any further mistakes and incurring her boss's disapproval.

    • After discovering that his wife had been hiding financial secrets, Tom is walking on eggshells, afraid to bring up any sensitive topics and wary of any unexpected revelations.

      This example shows how the idiom can be applied to personal relationships as well. Tom is being very delicate in his interactions with his wife, trying not to upset her or uncover any more secrets that may cause trouble in their marriage.

    • The school principal has informed the parents that any disruptive behavior in class will not be tolerated, and the students are now walking on eggshells, trying not to provoke their teachers or classmates and avoid getting in trouble.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a group of people, as the students are all being cautious and avoiding any actions that might lead to punishment or scolding by the principal or teachers.

    • Tom's friend, who is a notorious prankster, once invited Tom to his house, but Tom was walking on eggshells, unsure whether the friend's pranks were genuine or mere jokes.

      This final example demonstrates how the meaning of "walking on eggshells" can sometimes be misunderstood. In this case, Tom is uncertain whether his friend's behavior is merely playful or potentially dangerous, leading him to approach the situation with extreme caution.

    • In the aftermath of the recent scandal, the boss has been walking on eggshells around his subordinates, afraid of saying anything that might cause further tension.

      The idiom "walking on eggshells" is used to describe a situation where a person is being extremely cautious and sensitive in their actions or words, so as not to offend, upset, or anger someone else. In this example, the boss is treading carefully and being very mindful of what he says, as he is aware that his subordinates are still sensitive and fragile due to the recent scandal.

    • My wife has been walking on eggshells around our children ever since she found out about their recent misbehavior.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can also be used in domestic settings, where a parent is being extra cautious and delicate in their approach towards their children, so as not to inadvertently trigger another outburst or argument.

    • The advice columnist warned her readers that sometimes, it's best to just walk on eggshells and avoid confrontation, especially when dealing with difficult people or situations.

      This usage highlights how the idiom can also be used metaphorically to convey a general principle or piece of advice, in this case, recommending that people should sometimes just avoid making things worse by being extra careful and sensitive in their words and actions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "walking on eggshells" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is being overly cautious or where there is a tense and uneasy atmosphere. It can refer to individuals being extremely careful to avoid offending someone or causing conflict. The phrase highlights the delicate nature of the situation and the need to navigate it with care to prevent any negative outcomes.

    In everyday conversations, people might use this idiom to express the need to tread carefully in a sensitive situation. It can also indicate the presence of underlying tension or unease in a relationship or interaction. By using this idiom, individuals convey the idea of feeling on edge or anxious about potential repercussions of their words or actions.

    Origin of "walking on eggshells"

    The origin of the idiom "walking on eggshells" can be traced back to the fragility of eggshells. Eggs, with their thin and delicate shells, require careful handling to avoid breaking them. In the same way, when someone is said to be "walking on eggshells," it implies that they are navigating a situation with extreme caution to prevent any negative consequences.

    The expression likely originated from the idea that walking on eggshells would require a person to be very careful and gentle to avoid crushing them. Over time, the phrase has evolved to symbolize the need for individuals to be cautious and sensitive in their interactions to avoid causing harm or conflict. The imagery of walking on eggshells effectively captures the delicate and precarious nature of such situations, emphasizing the importance of handling them with care.