shaky ground
Unstable foundation metaphorically
Shaky ground is an uncertain or unstable foundation for an argument, relationship, or position.
The phrase evokes terrain that might give way underfoot.
Someone on shaky ground lacks solid support for their claims or actions: His alibi put him on shaky ground with investigators.
Often appears with "on": The theory rests on shaky ground.
- unstableProne to sudden change
- thin icePrecarious situation
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- uncertainNot firmly known
- on edgeTense and anxious
quicksand · slippery slope · earthquake · fault line · fault · wobbly · precarious · house of cards · insecure · shifting · crumbling · built on sand · tremor · fragile · unsteady · lose one's balance · risky · volatile
- Precariousnessprecarious, unstable, teetering, tottering, wobbly
- body idiomsheart of gold, heart of stone, cold heart, warm heart, soft heart
- shortcomingsdeficient, inadequate, lacking, inferior, subpar
shaky groundsolid ground
Stable surface beneath
firm ground · firm footing · solid foundation · bedrock · terra firma
shaky, ground, shake, shakes, shaken, shaking, shakiness, shaker, grounds