walk on eggshells

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Verb 1.2.1 Translations 1.3 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

1800's Old English usage, probably from the imagery that eggshells are easily broken.

[edit] Verb

to 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.

[edit] Translations

• German: sich auf Eierschalen bewegen de(de)

[edit] See also

• (walking) on thin ice