at a high wire

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a high wire" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing an activity that typically takes place on a high, taut wire, such as tightrope walking. For example: "The famous daredevil crossed a canyon on a high wire without a safety harness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We stop at a high wire fence.

The Guardian - Travel

She was looking up at a high wire act by the Wallendas when she saw the fire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But on a high wire was O.K".

The New York Times - Arts

A high wire fence circles the building.

The Guardian

You're walkin' a high wire, caught in a crossfire.

Huffington Post

"If anyone can succeed at a high-wire act that could either deal with the gravity of race relations in the United States, and using the Oscars as a microcosm of that, or just the silliness of Hollywood taking itself too seriously, Chris Rock can pull that off," said Tom Nunan, a veteran producer and network executive who teaches at the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA.

Los Angeles Times

The country's policy makers have proven adept at managing a high-wire balancing act for a number of years, keeping growth strong even while managing the many problems the growth process has created.

The New York Times

But discussions of a settlement at this point are something of a high-wire act, because Andersen's trial is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks.

The New York Times

The awe-generating feats pick up with a high-wire stunt at the end of the first act and then in the start of the second act featuring trapeze and a Wheel of Death.

The New York Times

So when Brüno, in full angel costume with a gold jockstrap and bare derrière, began to be lowered towards the audience during a high-wire entrance at the awards last night, you knew there was only one place he was going to land.

The Guardian - Film

His directorship was a high-wire act, thrilling at times but with an ever-present potential for disaster, and Hoving himself struck a lot of people as an egotistical wise guy, who cared too much about personal publicity and too little about the museum.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a high wire" to vividly describe scenarios involving literal or figurative balance and risk, such as a performer's act or a delicate negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "on a high wire" when describing a static location. "At a high wire" is more appropriate when referring to being in the vicinity of or associated with a high wire structure, rather than physically on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a high wire" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a location or state of being near or associated with a literal or figurative high wire. Ludwig confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a high wire" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, describing a location or situation involving risk and balance. Ludwig indicates it is grammatically sound and suitable for use across various registers, with a slightly higher prevalence in news and media, as well as science. When using this phrase, consider whether you're referring to a literal location or a figurative situation that demands careful maneuvering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a tightrope

Focuses specifically on the image of a tightrope, emphasizing balance and difficulty.

along a high wire

Uses "along" to describe movement or position relative to the high wire.

on a high cable

Uses "cable" instead of "wire", maintaining the sense of height and suspension.

on an elevated wire

Highlights the elevation of the wire, focusing on its height.

on a high-tension wire

Highlights the danger and electrical aspect of a high wire.

on a suspended wire

Emphasizes the fact that the wire is hanging and not supported from below.

across a high wire

Specifies movement from one side of the high wire to the other.

on a high-altitude line

Emphasizes the altitude and the linear nature of the wire.

above a high wire

Describes something positioned directly above the high wire.

near a high wire

Indicates proximity to the high wire, rather than being on it.

FAQs

How can I use "at a high wire" in a sentence?

You can use "at a high wire" to describe a location or situation involving a literal or figurative high wire. For example: "The circus performer practiced "at a high wire" every day."

What are some alternative ways to phrase "at a high wire"?

Alternatives include phrases that capture the essence of precariousness or skillful balance, such as "on a tightrope" or "on a high-tension wire" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it better to say "on a high wire" or "at a high wire"?

The choice depends on the context. "On a high wire" implies being physically on the wire, while "at a high wire" suggests being in the vicinity or associated with it. For example: "He performed on a tightrope" versus "The technicians worked "near a high wire"."

What does "at a high wire" mean figuratively?

Figuratively, "at a high wire" can describe a situation involving risk, skill, and delicate balance, similar to phrases like "walking a tightrope". It suggests navigating a precarious situation where a misstep could have significant consequences.