Walking on Eggshells – Meaning, Origin & Usage

Have you ever heard someone saying that they’re ‘walking on eggshells’ to avoid upsetting someone? This is an idiom, which means that it’s not meant literally. But, don’t worry, in this article, we’re going to explain everything for you.

We’ll cover what the phrase means, when it originated from, how and when to use the phrase, and we’ll throw in a few alternative phrases that you can use in it;s place if your audience is unfamiliar with the phrase.

And without further ado, let’s get down to it.

What is the meaning of the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’?

The phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ refers to being very careful not to inadvertently upset or anger somebody. The phrase is an idiom and is not to be taken literally. Although the phrase can be used to describe walking around somewhere in such a way as to not make a sound, the phrase is usually used to refer to being careful not to say the wrong thing in front of someone or to come across too harsh or negative.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’?

The phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ is a very old one, dating as far back as the 16th century. Very similar versions of the phrase are cited in works from the 1500s, including:

• ‘frame not your gate as men on eggs’ in 1576, 
• ‘they tread so nicely and gingerly, as though they walked upon eggs and feared the breaking of them’ in 1593.

There were many more uses of the phrase in the 1600s, but too many to cite here.

It’s still unclear how the phrase originated, but there has been some speculation that it comes from the idea of thieves being careful not to get caught making a noise during their running away, because if someone were to walk on eggshells, there will be the sound of eggs cracking open that may attract attention, which they would endeavour to avoid.

Or the origin of the phrase could simply have arised from the imagery of walking carefully and delicately over something very fragile.

How and when to use the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’?

You can use the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ whenever you or someone else has had to be very careful and cautious around someone else so as to prevent upsetting them. Although the phrase can refer to walking carefully, it is used most often to refer to speaking carefully, not mincing your words, and speaking with people with the utmost empathy, care and compassion.

Here follows several variations of the phrase that you can use:

• I/he/she was walking on eggshells trying not to upset them.
• I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around him/her/them.
• He/she/they get upset so easily, I’m having to walk on eggshells all the time.
• I wish he/she/they wasn’t/weren’t so sensitive – I’m forever walking on eggshells.
• I’m sick of walking on eggshells for him/her/them.
• I’m done walking on eggshells for you.

What are some other ways of saying ‘walking on eggshells’?

If you’re speaking with someone who doesn’t yet know many English idioms, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some alternative words and phrases that you can use in its place.

• Being very careful
• Being very cautious
• Being very mindful
• Being empathic
• Being considerate
• Being polite
• Being wary
• Being courteous
• Being thoughtful
• Being accommodating
• Being compassionate
• Watching your words
• Trying not to inadvertently upset anyone
• Trying to avoid an argument
• Trying to avoid disappointment
• Trying to avoid any unwanted upset
• Being scared of saying something out of turn
• Being scared of making a mistake
• Avoiding overly sensitive people
• Keeping one’s head down
• To pussyfoot around someone
• Pussyfooting
• Tiptoe around someone
• Tiptoe around people
• Stealthily

Final word

So, to sum up, the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ refers to being very careful and cautious, so as to avoid inadvertently upsetting or angering someone.

While the precise origin of the phrase is still yet to be determined, there is strong evidence that it comes from the 1500s and/or 1600s. But despite how old the phrase is, it still has much relevance today, especially when taken figuratively as an idiom for being careful with one’s words.

You can use the phrase whenever you or someone else has to be particularly careful about what you say so that you don’t cause any unwanted upset.

If you don’t want to use this idiom to convey its meaning, there’s ample choice of alternative words and phrases that you can use in its place if you so wish. Examples include ‘pussyfooting around someone’, ‘watching your words’, ‘being scared of saying something out of turn’, and ‘trying not to inadvertently upset anyone’.