English Reference
Idiom idiom

walk on broken glass


To do everything possible to achieve something, even if it involves great risk or discomfort.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

I would walk on broken glass to finish this project on time.

CONTEXTUAL

She was so determined to save her failing business that she was willing to walk on broken glass to make it succeed.

COMPLEX

Driven by an unwavering ambition to reclaim his family legacy, he was prepared to walk on broken glass if that was the price of his eventual victory.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bedlam breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  3. 03

    ball and Chalk

    [Cockney slang]walk

  4. 04

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  5. 05

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  6. 06

    break a sweat

    To put effort into something.

  7. 07

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  8. 08

    break down

    To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

Last updated August 10, 2026