Idiom
on thin ice
Meanings
In a risky or unstable situation where one wrong move could cause trouble or failure.
Close to losing someone’s approval or trust because of repeated mistakes or bad behavior.
Definition
In a risky situation where you could easily get into trouble or lose support.
If you are on thin ice, you are in a dangerous or uncertain position. A small mistake could lead to serious consequences, such as getting fired, punished, or losing someone’s trust. It often refers to relationships, jobs, or rules where patience is running out.
Examples
- After missing two deadlines, I’m on thin ice with my boss.
- If you break curfew again, you’ll be on thin ice with your parents.
- The company is on thin ice financially after the lawsuit.
- He knew he was on thin ice when he showed up late for the third time.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say “in thin ice” instead of “on thin ice.”
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.