treading on thin ice

USAGE SUMMARY

"treading on thin ice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a risky or precarious situation. Example: "By making that comment, he was treading on thin ice with his boss." Alternative expressions include "walking on eggshells" and "playing with fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

As a Londoner, I'm treading on thin ice here, given that my city is threatening to unleash one of the direst logos ever designed for the 2012 Olympic Games, but this loser is the official symbol of the 2010 World Cup.

The New York Times - Arts

(Vox) James Glassman is treading on thin ice.

The Economist

For American clerics, he said, the message was clear: those who engage in controversial rhetoric are treading on thin ice.

The New York Times - Magazine

I would steer someone elsewhere because I would be treading on thin ice to make a margarita mocktail".

The New York Times - Food

Ms. Psaki said Mr. Romney was "treading on thin ice here," noting that the president has released information that Mr. Romney has refused to.

The New York Times

He [Levison] is already treading on thin ice, if he talks at all he could be up on charges of contempt".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But they may dislike his view that a Christian community isn't really a church without a traditional view of the sacraments.And in his dealings with American Judaism, Benedict will tread on thin ice.

The Economist

In the great cathedral of Christian history, some Christians have been able to provide an answer to the question of a nation's right to wage war by saying "it is just because... .., but we tread on thin ice when society asks us why we believe torture is acceptable for us but not for other nations and our unsatisfying answer is "just because...."....

Huffington Post

I was treading on the thin ice that divides what can be seen and what has to be guessed at, a territory I'm certain physicians categorically dislike.

Huffington Post

The GOP is treading on very thin ice with Latinos, and if the party aggressively opposes -- legally, or even rhetorically -- the president's immigration actions, Republicans risk solidifying their anti-immigrant image with Latinos, and also Asian Americans.

Huffington Post

Out of respect for where this nation is heading in the near future, the presidential candidates should follow the lead of the hockey players of 2001, realize that it isn't always about them and stop treading on our thin ice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In corporate or political writing, use this idiom to describe a situation where a single mistake could lead to a scandal or termination.

Common error

Do not mix this idiom with others like "walking on eggshells" by saying "treading on eggshells". While both imply caution, they create confusing imagery if combined. Stick to the traditional form to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

This expression functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is frequently used as the main predicate of a sentence to denote a state of vulnerability. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a standard and effective choice for describing situations where one's status or safety is at risk due to specific actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "treading on thin ice" is a robust and widely used idiom that effectively communicates risk in both social and professional spheres. Ludwig AI confirms its validity across top-tier media outlets, suggesting it is a safe and expressive choice for writers. It is most powerful when describing individuals who are testing the limits of authority or safety. By following the best practices of avoiding mixed metaphors and choosing between this phrase and its close cousin, "skating on thin ice", you can ensure your writing remains both vivid and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skating on thin ice

Interchangeable variation that uses a different verb to express the same level of risk.

sailing close to the wind

Nautical metaphor for operating at the absolute limit of what is safe or allowed.

playing with fire

Suggests a higher level of recklessness and potential for immediate, severe consequences.

courting disaster

Implies that the risky behavior is almost inviting a negative outcome.

in a precarious position

Literal and formal way to describe a lack of stability or security.

walking on eggshells

Focuses on being extremely cautious to avoid upsetting a person rather than a general risk.

hanging by a thread

Emphasizes the extreme fragility of a situation rather than the actions leading to it.

pushing one's luck

Focuses on the act of continuing to take risks when one has already been fortunate.

living on the edge

Describes a lifestyle or ongoing state of risk-taking rather than a specific moment.

tempting fate

Refers to taking a risk that seems to challenge a higher power or inevitable bad luck.

FAQs

How do I use "treading on thin ice" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a precarious situation. For example, "If you continue to be late for work, you'll be "treading on thin ice" with your boss."

What is the difference between "treading on thin ice" and "walking on eggshells"?

While both involve caution, "walking on eggshells" usually refers to being careful around a person's feelings, whereas "treading on thin ice" refers to a general risk of failure or punishment.

Is "skating on thin ice" the same as "treading on thin ice"?

Yes, "skating on thin ice" is a perfectly interchangeable alternative that is equally common in modern English.

What is a more formal way to say "treading on thin ice"?

In formal or academic writing, you might prefer to use phrases like "in a precarious position" or "at risk" of negative consequences.