skating on thin ice

USAGE SUMMARY

'skating on thin ice' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is taking a risk and behaving in a precarious way; someone who is putting themselves in a dangerous or difficult situation. For example: "He's been making some reckless decisions lately - it's almost like he's skating on thin ice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North Pole Workshops is skating on thin ice when demand for one toy suddenly surges and another goes from "in" to "over" in a blink.

Harvard Business Review

They're skating on thin ice".

The New York Times

"I think they are skating on thin ice.

The New York Times

He added dryly, "These courts may be skating on thin ice".

The New Yorker

For all of this Super Bowl talk, the Jets are skating on thin ice.

The New York Times - Sports

While skating on thin ice, Mr. Shatrov never became an outright dissident.

The New York Times

This doesn't mean the securities and banking entity at Citigroup is skating on thin ice.

The New York Times

When skating on thin ice, Hytner's impulse is always for speed.

The New Yorker

"Most of the businesses here are already skating on thin ice because of the economy".

The New York Times

Early on, he was skating on thin ice but thought he was walking on water".

The New York Times - Sports

Fyfe's always gliding from end to end, but he's often skating on thin ice.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skating on thin ice" to vividly describe situations where a person or organization is close to failure or facing significant risk. The phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the potential for sudden and dramatic consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "skating on thin ice" for minor inconveniences or low-stakes situations. The phrase implies a significant threat of negative consequences, so reserve it for contexts where the risk is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "skating on thin ice" functions as a metaphorical descriptor, indicating a precarious or risky situation. Ludwig's examples show its use across various domains to highlight vulnerability and potential danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skating on thin ice" is a common and versatile idiom used to describe situations fraught with risk and potential for failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where the risk is substantial, avoiding overuse in trivial matters. Alternatives such as "treading carefully" or ""in a precarious position"" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability and the need for caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a precarious position

Directly states the vulnerable and unstable nature of the situation.

in a vulnerable state

Highlights the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm.

treading carefully

This suggests caution and awareness of potential danger, focusing on the careful actions taken.

on the edge

Focuses on being close to a dangerous or undesirable state.

walking a tightrope

Emphasizes the delicate balance and high risk involved in a situation.

on shaky ground

Highlights the instability and lack of security in a situation or position.

playing with fire

Implies taking unnecessary risks that could have serious consequences.

courting disaster

Suggests actions are likely to lead to a negative outcome or failure.

pushing your luck

Highlights that someone is taking risks when they have already experienced some good fortune.

dicing with death

Emphasizes the high level of danger involved, often in a reckless manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "skating on thin ice" to describe a situation where someone is in a risky position. For example: "The company is "in a precarious position" after losing its biggest client, they are really "skating on thin ice".

What does it mean to say someone is "skating on thin ice"?

Saying someone is "skating on thin ice" means they are in a risky or dangerous situation where they could easily fail or get into trouble. It implies that their position is not secure and could collapse at any moment.

What can I say instead of "skating on thin ice"?

You can use alternatives like "treading carefully", "on shaky ground", or "courting disaster" depending on the specific context.

Is "skating on thin ice" a formal or informal expression?

"Skating on thin ice" is generally considered an informal expression, but it's widely understood and can be used in many contexts, including news articles and business discussions. However, in very formal or academic writing, more direct language might be preferable.