Where did the saying walking on thin ice come from?
the idiomatic expression on thin ice originated from Holland, now known as Netherlands. Skating originated from there and skating on thin ice was a phrase commonly used especially when seas/rivers/streams freeze during the winter and then people skate over them.
Who said if you’re walking on ice you might as well dance?
Karin Gillespie
Quote by Karin Gillespie: “If you’re going to walk on thin ice, you might …”
What is the literal meaning of walking on thin ice?
(skating / treading / walking) on thin ice: 1. in a dangerous position where you could fall or have an unfavorable result; 2) in a risky or uncertain situation. So literally, on thin ice means you are standing on ice that is too thin to support your weight (and you’re most likely to fall through the ice).
Is skating on thin ice a metaphor?
The ‘thin ice’ principle uses a misleading metaphor to pass on the risk to the individual instead of to society.
What does to throw in the towel mean?
To quit in defeat. The phrase comes from boxing, in which a fighter indicates surrender by throwing a towel into the ring: “After losing the election, he threw in the towel on his political career.”
What does hit a nail on the head mean?
something that is exactly right
DEFINITION: It means “to do or say something that is exactly right.” You can use this phrase when someone finds the exact answer of a problem or a question.
What do you do if your on thin ice?
Never go out on the ice- You could go from rescuer to victim very quickly. o Reach- Try to reach the person from the shore using a long pole, rope, or tree limb. Never reach for someone by hand. o Throw- If the rescuer is on safe ice or land, first lie on your back and brace your feet on the ice or land.
What does the expression stay ahead of the curve mean?
Definition of ahead of the curve : faster about doing something than other people, companies, etc. The company has been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies.
What does the phrase through thick and thin mean?
Definition of through thick and thin : through many difficult times over a long period She stood by me through thick and thin.
What does the idiom all wet mean?
Completely wrong, mistaken
Completely wrong, mistaken, as in If you think you can beat the system and win at roulette, you’re all wet. The original allusion in this expression is unclear, that is, how moisture or dampness is related to wrongness. [ Slang; first half of 1900s]
What is the meaning of the idiom iron in the fire?
Definition of irons in the fire : activities or projects that someone is involved in Although he won’t say exactly what he’s working on now, he says he has quite a few irons in the fire.
Where does the idiom in skating over thin ice come from?
This idiom, which alludes to the danger that treading on thin ice will cause it to break, was first used figuratively by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Prudence(1841): “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.” See also: ice, on, thin The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
What does it mean to walk on Thin Ice?
I suggest walking on thin ice if you plan to go after those lobbyists—they have the power and influence to do some serious damage to your career. 2. To do something very risky or dangerous that could result in imminent repercussions or disaster.
Who said ‘in skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed’?
This idiom, which alludes to the danger that treading on thin ice will cause it to break, was first used figuratively by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Prudence (1841): “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust.
What is the meaning of treading on Thin Ice?
, Taught English in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Ireland. “Treading” means walking, and “walking on thin ice” is also used frequently. The expression is used to describe a situation of possible danger or risk, where the “ice” could break at any time and the person treading or walking on it could fall in.