walk on eggshells

English

Etymology

1800s usage, probably from the imagery that eggshells are easily broken when stepped upon.

Pronunciation

Verb

walk on eggshells (third-person singular simple present walks on eggshells, present participle walking on eggshells, simple past and past participle walked on eggshells)

  1. (idiomatic) To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something.
  2. (idiomatic) To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters.

Translations

See also
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