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Region: General | Usage example: We were walking on eggshells after the finance review.

Walking on eggshells

Meaning

Being overly cautious to avoid upsetting someone.

Usage

Describes tense conversations or relationships.

Origin & History

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

Evokes the need for careful steps when eggshells could break.

Appears in 19th-century writings and remains common.

Related Idioms

Walk on eggshells

Act very cautiously to avoid upsetting someone.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

Duck and cover

React quickly to avoid danger.

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.