on thin ice

USAGE SUMMARY

"on thin ice" is a correct and usable idiom in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is precarious, risky, or tense. Example: After months of poor performance, my job security was on thin ice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're skating on thin ice".

The New York Times

The book is on thin ice here.

The New York Times

But Jarboe entered college on thin ice.

The New York Times - Sports

You're on thin ice, buddy.

The New Yorker

Otamendi skated on thin ice.

The Guardian - Sport

"They are on thin ice".

The New York Times

Jones was on thin ice here.

Princeton University

"We're on thin ice," Mr. Link said.

The New York Times

"On Thin Ice," by Ivan Brunetti, January 8 , 2007

The New Yorker

(Vox) James Glassman is treading on thin ice.

The Economist

But are we on thin ice, technologically?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on thin ice" to describe a situation where a person or organization is at risk of getting into trouble or failing, especially after a mistake or series of mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "on thin ice" for situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly problematic. The phrase implies a serious risk of negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on thin ice" functions as an idiomatic adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often a person or situation) to indicate a state of heightened risk or precariousness. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that someone is in a dangerous or sensitive situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "on thin ice" is a common and readily understood expression used to describe a precarious or risky situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, but also sees use in academic and other contexts. It's essential to remember that while generally acceptable, the phrase implies a serious risk of negative consequences, so it should be reserved for appropriate scenarios. Alternatives such as "in a precarious situation" or "on shaky ground" can be considered for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skating on the edge

Uses a similar "skating" metaphor, but focuses on the borderline nature of the risk.

on shaky ground

Suggests a lack of stability and security.

in a precarious situation

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more literal and formal description.

close to the edge

Highlights the proximity to danger or failure.

in a vulnerable position

Focuses on the aspect of being susceptible to harm or negative consequences.

in jeopardy

Highlights the potential for loss or harm.

walking a tightrope

Employs a different metaphor to convey the sense of balance and potential for a fall.

in a dangerous situation

A direct and unambiguous statement of risk.

treading carefully

Emphasizes the need for caution due to the potential for problems.

risking it all

Stresses the high stakes and potential for significant loss.

FAQs

How can I use "on thin ice" in a sentence?

You can use "on thin ice" to describe a situation where someone is in a precarious position and could easily face negative consequences. For example, "After failing to meet the deadline, he knew he was "on thin ice" with his boss".

What does it mean to be "on thin ice"?

Being "on thin ice" means you are in a risky or unstable situation where you could easily get into trouble or face negative consequences. It implies that you need to be careful to avoid making mistakes.

What are some alternative phrases to "on thin ice"?

Some alternatives to "on thin ice" include "in a precarious situation", "on shaky ground", or "treading carefully". These phrases convey a similar sense of risk and instability.

Is it appropriate to use "on thin ice" in formal writing?

While "on thin ice" is an idiom, it is commonly used and understood in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal or academic writing, you might consider using a more direct and less figurative phrase such as "in a precarious situation" or "at risk".