English Explanatory Dictionary

walk on eggshells

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something.
  2. To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters.

Pronunciation

/ˌwɔːk ɒn ˈɛɡʃɛlz/ /ˌwɔk ɑn ˈɛɡʃɛlz/ /ˌwɑk-/ /-ɔn-/ En-au-walk on eggshells.ogg

Word forms

walk on eggshells walks on eggshells walking on eggshells walked on eggshells

Etymology

1800s usage, probably from the imagery that eggshells are easily broken when stepped upon.

Related words

on thin ice pussyfoot tiptoe through a minefield tread lightly
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