be touch-and-go

be touch and go

To be extremely uncertain as to whether something will have a positive or negative outcome. Our business had a pretty rocky start—it was touch and go for a while there whether we'd even be able to keep going or not. The doctors said it had been touch and go at points during surgery, but Dad is expected to pull through and make a full recovery. Their engagement has been so touch and go that I'm not sure they'll ever get married.

See also: and, go, touch

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be ˌtouch-and-ˈgo (whether...)

(informal) be very uncertain whether something will happen or not; be risky: It was touch-and-go whether the work would be finished in time.This idiom possibly refers to a ship sailing in shallow water. The bottom of the ship might touch the sea bed for a moment but the ship still remains undamaged and able to continue moving.

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017