“On thin ice, to be/skate” - This idiom paints a vivid picture of a risky situation. Just as skating on thin ice could end with a cold plunge, embarking on a hazardous course of action or engaging in delicate conversation can result in unintended consequences. As Emerson wisely put it, “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.” Sometimes, the swift and nimble manage to escape the icy clutches of disaster.
Similar Expressions and Idioms:
- Walking a tightrope: Balancing precariously between two dangers.
- Playing with fire: Engaging in a dangerous activity.
- On the edge: At the brink of danger or between success and failure.
- Treading on eggshells: Proceeding with great care to avoid upsetting someone or causing trouble.
- Dodging bullets: Narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation.
Proverbs and Synonyms:
- Look before you leap: Think about the possible dangers before taking action.
- Better safe than sorry: It’s better to avoid risks than deal with the consequences.
- In hot water: In trouble or in a difficult situation.
- Living dangerously: Taking frequent risks.
Humorous Quotes:
“I’m an expert at skating on thin ice, mainly because I never learned how to ski on thick ice!” - The Not-So-Bold Explorer
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Literature: Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos - A tale of intrigue and risk amongst the French aristocracy.
- Books: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer - A harrowing account of the deadly hazards of climbing Everest.
- Songs: “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice - Because sometimes, you just gotta chill.
- Poetry: “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas – A plea to cling onto life, despite the risks.
- Movies: Ice Age – Though animated and light-hearted, it’s a story of survival and the dangers of living in, well, a pretty thin icy era!
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
💡 “Fortune may favor the bold, but it’s the cautious leap and the swift glide that often triumph. Skate wisely, my daring friend!”
### Which of these expressions are related to taking risks?
- [x] Walking a tightrope
- [x] Playing with fire
- [x] On the edge
- [ ] Eating an apple a day
> **Explanation:** These phrases all imply a certain level of risk and danger involved, unlike enjoying a healthy fruit!
### What does "on thin ice" imply?
- [ ] Secure and stable situation
- [x] Hazardous and risky situation
- [ ] Making ice cream
- [ ] Emotional daydreaming
> **Explanation:** "On thin ice" implies being in a dangerous or precarious situation, not making ice cream!
### Which of these proverbs suggests being cautious to avoid regrets?
- [ ] A stitch in time saves nine
- [x] Better safe than sorry
- [ ] Every cloud has a silver lining
- [ ] When in Rome, do as the Romans do
> **Explanation:** "Better safe than sorry" advises caution to avoid future problems, unlike the other options.
### True or False: "Treading on eggshells" is an idiom related to navigating risky situations carefully.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Treading on eggshells" means proceeding with great caution to avoid trouble or upset, similar to "on thin ice."
