# on thin ice

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/on-thin-ice
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Dangerously, hazardously, delicately.

## Examples

- You are on thin ice with your teacher right now.
- If you arrive late to work one more time, you will be on thin ice with your boss.
- By repeatedly questioning the board's authority during the meeting, the manager realized he was on thin ice regarding his future at the company.

## Origin

From the literal danger of skating on thin ice; figurative since the 19th century — Emerson wrote 'in skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed' (1841). (disputed)

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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.