delicate

(as) delicate as a flower

1. Extremely physically frail or fragile; easily broken or injured. I bent down and scooped up the tiny bunny. The poor creature felt as delicate as a flower in my hands. She a mixed martial artist who could knock your block off now, but she was delicate as a flower when she was a kid. Don't even so much as breathe near that tiered cake—it's as delicate as a flower.

2. Extremely sensitive to insult, slight, or offense. I was a spoiled only child, so naturally I was delicate as a flower when I was a kid. But I wanted to be an actress, so I had to toughen up. I can't believe you said something negative about Shelly's hair when you know she's delicate as a flower! Of course Stu is offended that you didn't invite him—he's as delicate as a flower and sees everything as an intentional slight.

See also: delicate, flower

in a delicate condition

euphemism, old-fashioned To be pregnant. The ladies of the manor are starting to suspect that you're in a delicate condition. Should you really be on a ladder while you're in a delicate condition? I knew Louise was in a delicate condition, but I didn't realize the doctor had prescribed bed rest until the birth. Wow.

See also: condition, delicate

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

in a delicate condition

Euph. pregnant. (Old fashioned.) Are you sure you're up for this hike? I know you're in a delicate condition. She shouldn't be lifting those boxes. She's in a delicate condition.

See also: condition, delicate

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.