Meaning: This idiom means to be in a situation where one must be very careful and balance various factors to avoid trouble or failure. It implies navigating a difficult or risky situation with precision and caution.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “As a manager, she has to walk a tightrope between keeping the staff happy and meeting company targets.”
- “Negotiating the peace deal requires diplomats to walk a tightrope, balancing both sides’ demands.”
- “Balancing work and family commitments often feels like walking a tightrope for many parents.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “walk a tightrope” comes from the literal act of tightrope walking, a performance skill in which an acrobat walks along a thin, tightly stretched wire or rope. This act requires extreme balance, focus, and caution to avoid falling. The metaphorical use of the phrase draws on this imagery to describe any situation that requires careful balancing of various elements to avoid negative consequences. The idiom has been in use since at least the 19th century and effectively conveys the idea of managing a precarious situation.
