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Region: General | Usage example: The executives were skating on thin ice with the regulators

Skating on thin ice

Meaning

Doing something risky

Usage

Used when warning of potential disaster

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Figurative from skating over unsafe ice

Used since the 19th century in cautionary tales

Related Idioms

On thin ice

In a precarious or risky situation.

Through thick and thin

Stay loyal in both good and bad times.

Get cold feet

To become nervous or afraid just before doing something important.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.