On the Ice – Meaning & Usage Examples

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Let’s explore the saying ‘on thin ice’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘on thin ice’ is used to describe being in a risky or precarious situation where one’s actions or decisions could lead to trouble or consequences. It implies being in a vulnerable or delicate position, often due to engaging in behavior that is risky, inappropriate, or frowned upon. Figuratively, it suggests that the individual is treading carefully and could face negative repercussions if they make a misstep.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase ‘on thin ice’ is literal, referring to the danger of walking on ice that is not thick or strong enough to support one’s weight. The expression likely originated in regions where ice skating or walking on frozen bodies of water is common, with the thin ice serving as a metaphor for risky or dangerous situations. Over time, the phrase gained figurative usage to describe precarious circumstances in various contexts.

10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations

1. After missing several deadlines, Tom knew he was ‘on thin ice’ with his boss.

2. Driving above the speed limit, Sarah felt like she was ‘on thin ice’ with the law.

3. After forgetting their anniversary, John knew he was ‘on thin ice’ with his wife.

4. Spending beyond their budget, the couple felt like they were ‘on thin ice’ financially.

5. Making controversial remarks, the politician found himself ‘on thin ice’ with the public.

6. Breaking the office rules, Lisa knew she was ‘on thin ice’ with her coworkers.

7. Failing to meet expectations, the team felt like they were ‘on thin ice’ with their clients.

8. Skipping classes, the student knew he was ‘on thin ice’ with his professors.

9. Ignoring warnings, the hiker felt like he was ‘on thin ice’ in the dangerous terrain.

10. Violating company policies, the employee knew he was ‘on thin ice’ with HR.

5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom

1. “When you find yourself ‘on thin ice,’ it’s best to tread carefully and consider the consequences of your actions.” – Unknown

2. “Being ‘on thin ice’ means you’re in a delicate position where one wrong move could lead to trouble; proceed with caution.” – Unknown

3. “When you’re ‘on thin ice,’ it’s important to assess the situation and make wise decisions to avoid falling through.” – Unknown

4. “Feeling like you’re ‘on thin ice’ can be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow from your mistakes.” – Unknown

5. “Being ‘on thin ice’ reminds us to be mindful of our actions and the potential consequences they may bring.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter O

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter O. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘O’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the O-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter O.