ɒn θɪn aɪs
Nature & Weather
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Standing on ice that is thin and might break
What does "on thin ice" mean?
- In a risky or precarious situation
- At risk of getting in trouble
Examples
- You're on thin ice with the boss after that mistake.
- The relationship is on thin ice.
- One more violation and you'll be on very thin ice.
Origin
From the danger of walking on thin ice over water—it might break at any moment. Represents a precarious position.
How to use it
Often used as a warning. Common in Canada given the literal experience with frozen lakes.
Similar expressions
in a risky position
in danger
skating on thin ice
Opposites
on solid ground
safe
secure
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "on thin ice" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.