on thin ice
The phrase "on thin ice" is derived from the literal scenario of standing on ice that may break, symbolizing a risky or precarious situation.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)In a risky or precarious situation where one might face trouble or consequences.
Example
- He's on thin ice with his boss after missing the deadline.
- You're skating on thin ice by not following the rules.
B2Interpersonal
(informal)At risk of offending or upsetting someone in a sensitive situation.
Example
- She knew she was on thin ice when she brought up the controversial topic at dinner.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on thin ice":
on iceon the edgeput someone on iceice upskate onbreak the iceice outblue icewalk on eggshellson the ropesice danceon the bubbleout of one's depthon the lineoff the deep end