# have one foot on a banana peel

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-one-foot-on-a-banana-peel
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be in an unstable situation with a high risk of sudden negative change, facing difficulty, or appearing foolish.

## Examples

- He has one foot on a banana peel with his current job.
- With his grades dropping and his attendance poor, the student has one foot on a banana peel before the final exams.
- The politician realized he had one foot on a banana peel as the scandal grew and his supporters began to distance themselves from his campaign.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.