On thin Ice: Meaning, Examples and Sentences

Elaboration and Examples:

The idiom “on thin ice” is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is in a precarious or risky position. It implies that the person is treading on unstable or dangerous ground and any misstep could lead to negative consequences. It can also refer to being in a delicate or vulnerable situation where one is at risk of facing severe repercussions.

Example 1:

Imagine a student who has been struggling with their grades throughout the semester. They are already on thin ice with their parents and need to improve their performance. However, they choose to skip studying for an important exam and go out with friends instead. This decision puts them on even thinner ice as they risk failing the exam and facing serious consequences from their parents.

Example 2:

Let’s say there is an employee at a company who consistently arrives late to work and neglects their assigned tasks. They are already on thin ice with their supervisor, who has given them several warnings. One day, the employee decides to leave work early without permission, further exacerbating their precarious situation. This action puts them in a position where they could potentially face termination or other disciplinary actions.

In both examples, the individuals are metaphorically walking on thin ice by engaging in behaviors that worsen their already risky situations. They are taking actions that increase the likelihood of negative outcomes and consequences. The idiom serves as a warning that their actions are pushing the boundaries and any further misstep could result in severe repercussions.

Sentences on “On thin Ice”