Tread/walk a tightrope
verb phrase
To be in a situation where one must be very careful and cautious.
The politician has to walk a tightrope between keeping his supporters happy and making necessary budget cuts.
Often appears as...
- walk a political tightrope
- tread a careful tightrope
Usage tips
Idiomatic, General
verb phrase
To manage a difficult and delicate situation.
As a leader, you often have to walk a tightrope when making decisions that affect your team.
Often appears as...
- tread a delicate tightrope
- walk a tightrope of diplomacy
Usage tips
General, Technical
verb phrase
To be in a situation where one must be very careful and cautious.
The politician has to walk a tightrope between keeping his supporters happy and making necessary budget cuts.
Often appears as...
- walk a political tightrope
- tread a careful tightrope
Usage tips
Idiomatic, General
verb phrase
To manage a difficult and delicate situation.
As a leader, you often have to walk a tightrope when making decisions that affect your team.
Often appears as...
- tread a delicate tightrope
- walk a tightrope of diplomacy
Usage tips
General, Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery
Imagine the caution needed to balance on a high tightrope to grasp this phrase's careful connotations.
She had to tread a tightrope when discussing the issue with her boss.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember, 'walking a tightrope' is figurative; it's about handling sensitive situations, not real acrobatics.
Navigating the merger, the CEO walked a tightrope.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotionally Charged
This phrase suggests stress and risk without mentioning them directly.
In negotiating with both sides, he treads a tightrope.
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