walk on eggshells
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
1800's Old English usage, probably from the imagery that eggshells are easily broken.
Verb [edit]
walk on eggshells (third-person singular simple present walks on eggshells, present participle walking on eggshells, simple past and past participle walked on eggshells)
- (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.
- (idiomatic) To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters.
Translations [edit]
to act carefully to avoid upsetting someone
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to handle sensitive matters delicately
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- German: sich auf Eierschalen bewegen (de)
See also [edit]
- (walking) on thin ice
