WordVale

on thin ice

in a risky situation

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

(idiom) in a risky or precarious situation where you might get into trouble or fail; doing something that is likely to offend someone or cause problems

Examples

• After missing two important meetings, he's on thin ice with his boss.
• If you keep making jokes about her weight, you're on thin ice.

How to use on thin ice

This idiom describes a situation where you risk negative consequences through your actions or position. It is commonly used to warn someone about risky behavior or to describe a tense relationship where further missteps could cause serious problems. The tone is typically cautionary and can be applied to professional, personal, or social contexts.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• on thin ice with someone
• skate on thin ice
• treading on thin ice
• be on thin ice
• get someone on thin ice

Synonyms

in a precarious position · walking a tightrope · playing with fire · on shaky ground · in hot water

Opposites

on solid ground · safe and sound

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use it without specifying who or what is at risk, or forget that it implies an existing precarious state rather than simply describing something difficult.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

a wake-up call, in the crosshairs, under fire, draw a line in the sand, throw cold water on, a slippery slope

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained