to-walk-on-eggshells
/tuː wɔːk ɒn ˈeɡ.ʃelz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To walk on eggshells means to behave very carefully because someone may become angry, upset, or offended easily. It often suggests fear, tension, or stress in a relationship.
- I walk on eggshells around my boss.
- They were walking on eggshells after the argument.
- You shouldn't have to walk on eggshells at home.
Adinary Nuance
Walk on eggshells is stronger and more emotional than simply be careful. It suggests you are worried about another person's reaction, not just trying to avoid mistakes. People use it more for relationships, family, or workplace tension than for ordinary caution.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- như đi trên vỏ trứng
- Spanish
- andar con cuidado
- Chinese
- 如履薄冰
- Japanese
- 気を遣う
- Korean
- 조심조심하다
Etymology
This idiom is based on a clear image: eggshells break very easily. It became common in modern English to describe tense relationships or careful behavior.
Common phrases
walk on eggshells around someonefeel like you're walking on eggshellshaving to walk on eggshells
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is walk on eggshells formal or informal?
- It is common in everyday speech and writing. It is not very formal, but it is clear and natural.
- What is the difference between walk on eggshells and be careful?
- Be careful is general. Walk on eggshells means you are extra careful because someone may react badly.
- Can I use walk on eggshells in business writing?
- Yes, if you want to describe a tense workplace. It is more natural in reports about people than in very formal documents.
- Does walk on eggshells always mean fear?
- Not always fear, but usually stress or worry. It often means you feel tense around another person.