tightrope
UK: ˈtaɪtrəʊp | US: ˈtaɪtroʊp
n. a tightly stretched rope or wire on which acrobats perform balancing acts
n. (figurative) a precarious situation requiring careful balance
The word "tightrope" emerged in the early 19th century, combining "tight" (from Old English tyht, meaning "dense" or "taut") and "rope" (from Old English rāp, meaning "cord"). It literally describes a rope pulled taut to prevent sagging, essential for acrobatic performances. Over time, it gained metaphorical use to describe delicate, high-stakes situations where balance is critical.
The acrobat gracefully walked across the tightrope without a safety net.
Balancing work and personal life can feel like walking a tightrope.
The negotiator treaded a tightrope between compromise and principle.
Tightrope walking requires immense concentration and physical skill.
His career was a tightrope of risks and calculated decisions.