tightropes
High-wire paths
Tightropes are ropes or wires stretched taut between two points, high above the ground, for acrobats to walk across.
The singular tightrope appears more often in figurative use: to walk a tightrope is to navigate a situation requiring careful balance between competing demands or dangers: Parents walk a tightrope between protecting children and letting them take risks.
Elevated taut cable
- aerialistCircus performer aloft
- wirewalkerTightrope performer
- funambulistOne who walks ropes
- trapezeSuspended acrobatic bar
slackline · aerial silk · acrobat · gymnast · somersault · dismount · handstand · spotter
State of balance
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- steadinessState of being constant
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- centeringPositioning at midpoint
stability · tension · control · precision · focus · coordination · footing · proprioception
Exposure to harm
- perilSerious threat of harm
- precariousnessState of uncertain stability
- hazardSource of potential harm
- jeopardyRisk of harm
brinkmanship · daredevilry · vulnerability · recklessness · gamble · uncertainty · exposure · menace
Deed or performance
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- spectatorsThose who observe events
entertainment · spotlight · stage · drama · daredevil · stunt · feat · gasps
Forced choice between undesirables
- balancing actManaging multiple competing priorities
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
tension · delicate · precarious · navigate · treading · fine line · carefulness · prudence
Circus-founding family surname
- Cirque du SoleilTheatrical circus entertainment company
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- tentPortable fabric shelter
- spectacleVisually striking event
ringmaster · audience · carnival · sideshow · marquee · parade · costumes · stilts
highwire
Elevated taut cable
- aerialistCircus performer aloft
- wirewalkerTightrope performer
- funambulistOne who walks ropes
trapeze · slackline · aerial silk · acrobat · gymnast · somersault · dismount · handstand · spotter · flexibility
equilibrium
State of balance
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- steadinessState of being constant
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
centering · stability · tension · control · precision · focus · coordination · footing · proprioception · alignment
danger
Exposure to harm
- perilSerious threat of harm
- precariousnessState of uncertain stability
- hazardSource of potential harm
jeopardy · brinkmanship · daredevilry · vulnerability · recklessness · gamble · uncertainty · exposure · menace · adventure
act
Deed or performance
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
spectators · entertainment · spotlight · stage · drama · daredevil · stunt · feat · gasps · thrill
dilemma
Forced choice between undesirables
- balancing actManaging multiple competing priorities
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
compromise · tension · delicate · precarious · navigate · treading · fine line · carefulness · prudence · tact
Ringling
Circus-founding family surname
- Cirque du SoleilTheatrical circus entertainment company
- performersThose who entertain audiences
- tentPortable fabric shelter
spectacle · ringmaster · audience · carnival · sideshow · marquee · parade · costumes · stilts · unicycle
- aerial adventurezip lines, platforms, tree houses, cargo nets, suspension bridges
- platformersMario, jump, Sonic, platformer, platforms
tightropessafety nets
Backup systems preventing disaster
solid ground · terra firma · stable footing · bedrock · safe harbors
tightropesopen fields
Unenclosed expanses of land
open plains · runways · plazas · esplanades · boulevards
tightropessafety nets
Backup systems preventing disaster
solid ground · terra firma · guardrails · handrails · scaffolding
- tightrope walkerPerformer balancing on cable
- walk a tightropeTraverse a suspended cable
- tightrope walkingBalancing act on wire
- tightrope walkCrossing a suspended cord