Be skating/walking on thin ice

idiom

To be in a risky situation where you can easily get into trouble.

If you continue to come late to work, you are skating on thin ice.
Visual representation of "be skating/walking on thin ice" - To be in a risky situation where you can easily get into trouble.

Often appears as...

  • skating on thin ice with someone
  • walking on thin ice in a situation

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

idiom

To be in a risky situation where you can easily get into trouble.

If you continue to come late to work, you are skating on thin ice.
Visual representation of "be skating/walking on thin ice" - To be in a risky situation where you can easily get into trouble.

Often appears as...

  • skating on thin ice with someone
  • walking on thin ice in a situation

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be skating/walking on thin ice"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Risky Warning

Used to caution someone they're close to crossing a line that could lead to trouble.

Illustration for Risky Warning
By arguing with the boss, you're skating on thin ice.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Consequence Implied

Implies potential negative consequences without specifying what they are.

Illustration for Consequence Implied
She's walking on thin ice with her constant tardiness.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

No literal ice involved; purely metaphorical, meaning getting into an uncertain or dangerous position.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This is the third warning; you're really skating on thin ice now.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Risky Warning

Used to caution someone they're close to crossing a line that could lead to trouble.

Illustration for Risky Warning
By arguing with the boss, you're skating on thin ice.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Consequence Implied

Implies potential negative consequences without specifying what they are.

Illustration for Consequence Implied
She's walking on thin ice with her constant tardiness.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

No literal ice involved; purely metaphorical, meaning getting into an uncertain or dangerous position.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This is the third warning; you're really skating on thin ice now.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Risky Warning

Used to caution someone they're close to crossing a line that could lead to trouble.

Illustration for Risky Warning
By arguing with the boss, you're skating on thin ice.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Consequence Implied

Implies potential negative consequences without specifying what they are.

Illustration for Consequence Implied
She's walking on thin ice with her constant tardiness.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

No literal ice involved; purely metaphorical, meaning getting into an uncertain or dangerous position.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This is the third warning; you're really skating on thin ice now.
Visual representation of the word "Be skating/walking on thin ice"

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