tread on eggshells
Move with delicacy
To tread on eggshells is to act with extreme caution to avoid upsetting someone or triggering conflict.
The image is of walking so carefully that even fragile shells remain intact.
Usually describes navigating around a volatile person or tense situation: Everyone treads on eggshells around her since the divorce.
Also *walk on eggshells*.
- precariousnessState of uncertain stability
- vigilanceState of keen awareness
- brittlenessProne to snapping
- empathySharing another's emotions
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
tact · tenuousness · fragility · tiptoeing · kid gloves · handle with care · prudence · circumspection · bite your tongue · discretion · instability · watch your step · thin ice · vulnerability · mindfulness · foresight · consideration · understanding
tread on eggshellsspeak freely
Express opinions openly
speak one's mind · not mince words · tell it like it is · pull no punches · call a spade a spade
tread on eggshellsbe oneself
Act without pretense
let one's guard down · relax · breathe easy · loosen up · act naturally
tread on eggshellsthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
damn the torpedoes · bull in a china shop · charge ahead · be fearless · forge ahead
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