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

When using "on thin ice", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific risk or consequence. The phrase is most effective when the potential negative outcome is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on thin ice" for minor inconveniences or situations with minimal risk. This can dilute the impact of the idiom and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "on thin ice" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being in a risky or precarious situation. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate this across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on thin ice" is a common idiom used to describe a precarious or risky situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use in diverse sources, particularly within News & Media. While its meaning is consistent, writers should be mindful of the context, avoiding its use for minor issues to maintain its impact. For situations demanding greater formality, alternatives like "in a precarious position" or "facing potential consequences" are more suitable. By understanding its nuances and appropriateness, you can effectively use "on thin ice" to convey risk and caution in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and potential for negative consequences.

in a vulnerable situation

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or criticism.

skating on the edge

Uses a similar skating metaphor, focusing on risk and potential downfall.

treading carefully

Implies a need for caution to avoid causing problems.

in hot water

Suggests being in trouble or facing disapproval.

on shaky ground

Highlights the lack of stability or security.

walking a tightrope

Suggests a delicate balance and the risk of failure.

in danger of failing

Directly states the risk of not succeeding.

facing potential consequences

Focuses on the negative outcomes that could arise.

risking everything

Emphasizes 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 or risky position, such as "After several warnings, he knew he was "on thin ice" with his boss".

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

Being "on thin ice" means that you are in a dangerous or risky situation where you could easily get into trouble or face negative consequences.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "on thin ice"?

Alternatives to "on thin ice" include phrases like "in a precarious position", "in hot water", or "skating on the edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "on thin ice" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it's best suited for neutral or informal writing. In highly formal settings, consider using more direct and less idiomatic language to convey the same meaning such as "facing potential consequences" or "in a vulnerable situation".