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The phrase "a very thin reed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is fragile or weak, often in the context of support or reliability.
Example: "His argument was based on a very thin reed, lacking substantial evidence to back it up."
Alternatives: "a flimsy basis" or "a weak foundation."
Exact(4)
Secularism is a very thin reed on which to hang a political society.
The traffic has tripled since the acquisition and the Wired brand, which once was perched on a very thin reed, is now a sturdy plank.
In fact, the quantitative data they cite amount to (at best) a very thin reed on which to hang such a mighty claim.
The accusation of liberal bias rests on a very thin reed.
Similar(56)
It's a very thin line.
"It is a very thin edge".
This is a very thin brigade.
It is walking a very thin line.
Was civilisation just a very thin veneer?
It felt like a very thin disguise".
Goliath obviously had a very thin skull".
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com