walk on eggshells

Posted by Grace on December 21, 2010

walk on eggshells :

1. To try very hard so as to not upset someone as they may be easily offended or very sensitive.

2. To be careful when handling sensitive matters.

 

Etymology: based on the idea that eggshells are easily broken

 

Examples:

1. Everyone was walking on eggshells at the company until they found out that their jobs were safe.

 

2. Tom is always walking on eggshells with his girlfriend.  If he ever says anything that she doesn’t like she becomes really angry.

 

Find more examples please click here.

PS: Please don't forget to use the plural form of eggshell.

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Replies

  • Azam December 24, 2010 15:43

    Dear Grace,

    tnk u so much 4 sharing that.It seems useful.I know another expression that has the same meaning with what u have mentioned :

    "mind/watch sb's step"=walk on eggshells

    THAT.IT
  • Sharifa Bahri (SkoonAlBahr) December 22, 2010 17:54
    I used to walk on eggshells with one of my friends. He is so sensitive and I don't want him to get hurt with nothing!
    • Sharifa Bahri (SkoonAlBahr) > Zahra December 22, 2010 18:26
      Interesting and useful. We used "walk on eggshell" in Arabic to disapproved that someone is walking and doing things slowly. But in English is different. So, I think I should walk on eggs in this! ;)
    • Sharifa Bahri (SkoonAlBahr) > Zahra December 22, 2010 18:21

      Both of you are doing great! But I miss some phrases recently since I've exams and I prepare for my final too. Once I've a time, I run to my laptop and study with all of you. Thank you my firends. You make my English improved a lot! :) ^_^

    • Grace > Zahra December 22, 2010 5:17

      You are welcome, Anis. I also thank you for the examples that you added and found from other resources that would enhance our memory to use them easily.

       

       

  • Dreamer Ḿǻ₦ December 21, 2010 14:48

    when people meet at first time they are walking on eggshells , once they get used to each other they talk free

    • Sharifa Bahri (SkoonAlBahr) > Dreamer Ḿǻ₦ December 22, 2010 18:35
      Thanks a lot. Your comment makes me think of walking on such things "eggshells, egg, and thin ice" heheh. Do you think I'll walk without break any of them? heheh
    • Sharifa Bahri (SkoonAlBahr) > Dreamer Ḿǻ₦ December 22, 2010 18:28
      So walk on eggshells = walk on eggs = walk on this ice ??
    • Grace > Dreamer Ḿǻ₦ December 22, 2010 5:38

      Thanks a lot for your great effort to add these related information, Anis.

      Studying language is quite interesting. We sometimes can imagine and guess how the situation is from the literal meaning. Like the eggs,eggshells or thin ice, we all know they are fragile and easily broken if we don't pay attention to carry them.   

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