walks on eggshells
Avoids causing offense
To walk on eggshells is to act with extreme caution to avoid upsetting someone or triggering conflict.
The image is of treading so carefully that even fragile shells wouldn't crack: Ever since the layoffs, everyone walks on eggshells around the boss.
The phrase usually implies the situation is tense, unfair, or exhausting for the person being careful.
- tiptoeWalk on foot-fronts
- tiptoeing aroundAvoiding direct engagement carefully
- treads lightlyMoves with delicate steps
- thin icePrecarious situation
- appeasementSatisfying demands to prevent conflict
conflict avoidance · flinch · tense · carefulness · vigilance · tread · bite your tongue · empathy · tact · circumspection · restraint · holding back · edge · compromise · soft touch · volatile · keep the peace · diplomacy
walks on eggshellstells it like it is
Speaks with brutal candor
speaks one's mind · calls a spade a spade · shoots from the hip · blunt · brutally honest
walks on eggshellsat ease
Relaxed, not tense
relaxed · carefree · comfortable in one's skin · unbothered · loose
walks on eggshellsbull in a china shop
Clumsy person causing damage
steamrolls · throws one's weight around · takes charge · asserts oneself · barges in
walk, walks, walked, walking, walker, walkers, eggs, shell, shells