The phrase “walking on eggshells” describes a situation in which someone is trying to avoid upsetting or offending others, often because the atmosphere is delicate or tense. It suggests being extremely careful with one’s actions or words, as if every step could lead to something breaking or causing an emotional reaction. This expression is often used in situations where there’s a sense of fragility or high sensitivity, such as in relationships, workplaces, or family dynamics. In Indonesian, this can be translated as “berhati-hati” or “berjalan di atas kulit telur”, which captures the idea of being cautious and mindful of one’s actions.
Synonyms:
- Treading lightly
- Walking on a tightrope
- Handling with care
- On thin ice
- Walking carefully
- Being cautious
- On edge
- Playing it safe
- In a delicate situation
- Taking extra care
Example Sentences:
- At family gatherings, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells, trying not to say anything that will set anyone off.
- The boss has been in a bad mood all week, so we’ve all been walking on eggshells around her.
- Ever since their argument, he’s been walking on eggshells to avoid triggering another fight.
- She’s so sensitive right now that I feel like I’m walking on eggshells every time we talk.
- I hate walking on eggshells at work; it feels like everyone’s on edge, just waiting for something to go wrong.
- After the recent layoffs, the employees are walking on eggshells, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
- I felt like I was walking on eggshells during the meeting, as I didn’t want to offend anyone.
- He’s been walking on eggshells since the promotion announcement, unsure of how to act around his colleagues.
- The atmosphere was so tense, it felt like we were walking on eggshells during the entire dinner.
- When you’re in a new relationship, it’s easy to feel like you’re walking on eggshells, afraid to say or do something wrong.
Related Words:
- Tension
- Sensitivity
- Fragility
- Caution
- Precarious situation
- Delicacy
- Vulnerability
- Unease
- Nervousness
- Conflict avoidance
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Tread lightly (to proceed carefully or cautiously, similar to walking on eggshells)
- Be on edge (to feel nervous or uneasy, as if any mistake could lead to a problem, much like walking on eggshells)
- Tiptoe around (to avoid confronting a sensitive issue directly, often in a way that’s similar to walking on eggshells)
- Handle with care (to deal with a situation, person, or object delicately, much like being careful when walking on eggshells)
- Be cautious with (to proceed carefully in a situation to avoid mistakes, like walking on eggshells)
- Watch your step (to be very careful with your actions, similar to being on eggshells)
- Keep your distance (to avoid getting too involved in a sensitive situation, similar to walking on eggshells)
- Keep your guard up (to be vigilant and careful, especially in a sensitive or tense situation, like when walking on eggshells)
- Play it safe (to avoid taking risks or doing anything that might cause harm, often out of caution like walking on eggshells)
- Bite your tongue (to refrain from saying something that could upset someone, much like walking on eggshells)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- On thin ice (in a risky or precarious situation, similar to walking on eggshells)
- Walking a tightrope (to navigate a difficult situation with careful balance, much like walking on eggshells)
- Afraid to rock the boat (to avoid causing trouble or disrupting the status quo, like walking on eggshells)
- Skating on thin ice (to be in a dangerous or risky situation, similar to walking on eggshells)
- Pushing the envelope (to test limits or go beyond the usual boundaries, sometimes at the risk of upsetting someone, like not walking on eggshells)
- Tiptoe through a minefield (to proceed through a situation with extreme caution, similar to walking on eggshells)
- Between a rock and a hard place (to be stuck in a difficult situation with no easy way out, which may require walking on eggshells)
- Dancing on the edge (to be in a risky situation where one false move could cause harm, akin to walking on eggshells)
- In the line of fire (to be in a position where you might face criticism or danger, like walking on eggshells)
- On pins and needles (to be in a state of nervous anticipation, much like walking on eggshells)
“Walking on eggshells” is a powerful expression that conveys the anxiety and caution people feel when they’re in situations where tensions are high or emotions are fragile. It’s a reminder that sometimes, relationships or environments require extra sensitivity and awareness to avoid conflicts or upsetting others, even when it’s not easy or natural.
