Word
tightrope
US/ˈtaɪˌtɹoʊp/
UK/tˈaɪtɹəʊp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a thin, strong rope stretched between two points. People walk on it for fun or as a performance to show their balance.
n. a slender, taut rope or wire stretched between two supports. Often used as a platform for acrobatic performances or as a metaphor for a precarious situation.
Examples
“The tightrope walker moves slowly across the high wire.”
“The circus performer practiced walking the tightrope for hours to ensure a flawless performance for the audience.”
“Balancing on a tightrope requires not only physical coordination but also a mental focus that allows the performer to ignore the height and the movement of the wind.”
Examples
simple
“The tightrope walker moves slowly across the high wire.”
contextual
“The circus performer practiced walking the tightrope for hours to ensure a flawless performance for the audience.”
complex
“Balancing on a tightrope requires not only physical coordination but also a mental focus that allows the performer to ignore the height and the movement of the wind.”
Real-World Examples
“Experts from 75 countries and 250 cities are trying to walk the tightrope of creating more cooling to reduce deaths from the rising heat, but without worsening climate change.” “For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.” Etymology
From tight + rope.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tightrope