What does it Mean to ‘Walk a Tightrope’?

To walk a tightrope means to do something where you cannot afford to make an error; to do something with extreme care and precision.

A tightrope is a rope that is tied high up in the air on which the acrobats walk in the circus. The acrobat has to be extremely cautious while walking and he cannot make any mistake. Even a small mistake can result in failure or severe injury.

This analogy of a person walking on a tightrope has been transferred to a person in a precarious situation where a cautious or careful course of action is required.

For example —

“Ever since his remarks created a controversy, he is walking a tightrope whenever he speaks publicly”.

It means that he is extremely cautious and watchful in his public speeches ever since he created a controversy with his remarks.

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Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.