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- This idiom, which alludes to the danger that treading on thin ice will cause it to break, was first used figuratively by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Prudence (1841): “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.”
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In a precarious or risky position, as in After failing the midterm, he was on thin ice with his math teacher . This metaphor is often rounded out as skate on thin ice , as in He knew he was skating on thin ice when he took his rent money with him to the racetrack .
1. Lit. on ice that is too thin to support one. (See also skate on thin ice; walk on thin ice.) Billy is on thin ice and is in great danger. 2. Fig. in a risky situation. If you try that you'll really be on thin ice. That's too risky. If you don't want to find yourself on thin ice, you must be sure of your facts. See also: ice, on, thin.
To be doing something very risky or dangerous that could result in imminent disaster or ruin. I hope you realize that you'll be on thin ice if you decide to gamble your employees' retirement funds on such a dodgy investment.You're walking on thin ice by continuing to come in late. If the boss notices, you'll be fired. See also: ice, on, thin.
be (walking) on thin ice. To be doing something very risky or dangerous that could result in imminent disaster or ruin. I hope you realize that you'll be on thin ice if you decide to gamble your employees' retirement funds on such a dodgy investment.
Mar 28, 2024 · on thin ice. ( idiomatic) In a dangerous, hazardous, or delicate situation; at risk . Ever since he was caught stealing office supplies, he has been on thin ice with his boss.
1. a. : frozen water. b. : a sheet or stretch of ice. 2. : a substance resembling ice. especially : the solid state of a substance usually found as a gas or liquid. ammonia ice in the rings of Saturn. 3. : a state of coldness (as from formality or reserve) 4. a. : a frozen dessert containing a flavoring (such as fruit juice)
2 days ago · If you say that someone is on thin ice or is skating on thin ice, you mean that they are doing something risky which may have serious or unpleasant consequences. I had skated on thin ice and, so far, got away with it.
