walk on eggshells

The idiom "walk on eggshells" describes the act of being extremely cautious and sensitive to avoid upsetting someone or causing conflict.

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Definition

B2Interpersonal Relations

(idiomatic, informal)To act with great caution to avoid upsetting someone who is easily offended.

Example

  • Ever since their argument, he has been walking on eggshells around her.

B2Conflict Avoidance

(idiomatic, informal)To be extremely careful in one's actions and words to prevent conflict or trouble.

Example

  • In the tense meeting, everyone felt like they were walking on eggshells.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "walk on eggshells":

tiptoe aroundtread softlywatch one's steptread on someone's toeson thin icekid gloveon tiptoe