high-wire act
Circus rope walking
A high-wire act is a circus performance on a tightrope stretched high above the ground, requiring exceptional balance and skill.
Figuratively, any risky endeavor demanding careful navigation: Running a startup is a high-wire act.
The phrase emphasizes precariousness—one misstep brings disaster.
- tightropeTaut cord for walking
- walk the lineMaintain careful balance between
- acrobatAgile circus performer
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- circusTraveling entertainment with performers
center ring · trapeze · daredevil · net · fall · performer · tension · vertigo · pole · sequins · gasp · holding breath · wobble · fearless · spotlight · applause · risk · precarious
high-wire actsafe bet
Likely winning wager
sure thing · slam dunk · no-brainer · safety net · cakewalk
high-wire actchild's play
Something extremely easy
piece of cake · walk in the park · cakewalk · no-brainer · cinch
high-wire actsolid ground
Stable surface beneath
firm footing · terra firma · safe harbor · bedrock · steady state
high, wire, higher, highest, highly, highness, wired, wires, wiring