be treading on eggshells
To be acting with great care and consideration so as not to upset someone, some situation, etc. The littlest thing tends to anger my mother, so I feel like I'm always treading on eggshells whenever I'm at her house. I've been treading on eggshells while giving my employees their performance reviews because I know how devastating a bad one can be. A: "I hope you were careful in there—those lobbyists have the power and influence to do some serious damage to your career." B: "Don't worry, I was treading on eggshells the whole time."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be treading on eggshells
or be walking on eggshells
If you are treading on eggshells or are walking on eggshells, you are being extremely careful about what you say or do because you do not want to upset or offend someone. She was so easily offended, I felt as if I was treading on eggshells the whole time. Everyone was walking on eggshells around him, just not knowing what his reaction was going to be. Note: You can also say that someone is treading on eggs or is walking on eggs. Living with you is like treading on eggs.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012