walk on eggshells

== English == === Etymology === 1800s usage, probably from the imagery that eggshells are easily broken when stepped upon. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌwɔːk ɒn ˈɛɡʃɛlz/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌwɔk ɑn ˈɛɡʃɛlz/, /ˌwɑk-/, /-ɔn-/ === Verb === walk on eggshells (third-person singular simple present walks on eggshells, present participle walking on eggshells, simple past and past participle walked on eggshells) (idiomatic) To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something. (idiomatic) To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters. ==== Translations ==== === See also === (walking) on thin ice pussyfoot tiptoe through a minefield tread lightly === References === “walk on eggshells”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.