Be skating on thin ice Informal

English idiom: Be skating on thin ice

Last updated: 20.10.2026

Action & DecisionCourage & Fear

Equivalent idioms in other languages

  • 🇷🇺 Ходить по тонкому льду Разговорное

    Действовать в опасной или непрочной ситуации, когда малейшая ошибка может привести к серьёзным последствиям. Образ особенно уместен как предупреждение.

  • 🇪🇸 Estar pisando terreno peligroso Informal

    Actuar en una situación delicada o arriesgada en la que cualquier error puede tener consecuencias. La expresión habla de peligro figurado, no de patinar literalmente.

  • 🇫🇷 Être sur un terrain glissant Familier

    Se trouver dans une situation délicate ou risquée où un faux pas peut entraîner des ennuis. L’expression souligne l’instabilité du terrain, au sens figuré.

Meaning

To behave in a way that puts one at risk of trouble, punishment or failure, especially when patience or trust is already running out. A warning often implies that one more mistake could have consequences.

Origin

The metaphor comes from moving across ice too thin to support a person safely. The risk of the surface breaking makes the phrase a natural warning about precarious conduct.

Examples

You’re skating on thin ice after missing two deadlines.

He knew he was skating on thin ice when he challenged the boss again.

If you keep making promises you can’t keep, you’ll be skating on thin ice.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Be skating on thin ice' mean?

To behave in a way that puts one at risk of trouble, punishment or failure, especially when patience or trust is already running out. A warning often implies that one more mistake could have consequences.

How do you say 'Be skating on thin ice' in Russian?
Ходить по тонкому льду

How do you say 'Be skating on thin ice' in Spanish?
Estar pisando terreno peligroso

How do you say 'Be skating on thin ice' in French?
Être sur un terrain glissant

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