Walking on Eggshells – Meaning, Origin & Usage
If you want to understand the expression ‘walking on eggshells’, you’ve come to just the place!
In this article, we will cover what the phrase means, how it may have originated, and how to use the phrase, complete with handy examples. Following on from that, we will also discuss similar, synonymous and alternative expressions.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight to it!
What does the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ mean?
The phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ means being extremely cautious in one’s actions or words, usually to avoid upsetting someone else.
Historical origins of the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’
The precise origin of the phrase is not known for certain. That said however, it has been speculated that it emerged in the 19th century, with evidence found in literature like Wilkie Collins’s “The Woman in White” where “walking upon egg-shells” is mentioned.
This phrase follows on from the related phrase ‘walking on eggs’, which was also in use around this time. Much like ‘treading on eggs’. There are also close variants of the phrase dating as far back as the 16th century in English, and there were (and are) also similar expressions in other languages as well.
The phrase stems from the imagery of walking on something as fragile as eggs, which emphasizes how careful that person has to be. Thus it is a great metaphor for needing to be very careful in a delicate situation, and therefore it represents the need for extreme caution.
How to use the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’
You can use the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ when you are describing something that has happened, or that is happening, if caution was or is required. You can also use the phrase as a form of advice for the future.
Here are some typical examples of the phrase in use:
- I’m so sick of walking on eggshells around the new boss.
- With my mom, I always feel like I am walking around on eggshells.
- I make a point not to walk on eggshells around my closest friends.
- Shirley is very opinionated and so she doesn’t understand why she has to walk on eggshells around her grandfather.
- Jonathan is so sensitive that all his friends and family have to walk on eggshells around him.
- Whenever Valerie is around, everyone has to walk on eggshells around her in order to prevent her from lashing out.
- You have to remember that George is going through a very difficult time at the moment, so you need to walk on eggshells.
Similar, synonymous and alternative expressions
There are often several alternative words and phrases that you can use in place of ‘walking on eggshells’ if you so wish. Here’s a quick sample:
- Being really careful
- With extreme caution
- Taking great care
Final word
So, in summary, the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ means being extremely cautious in one’s actions or words, usually to avoid upsetting someone else. The phrase dates back many centuries, and has equivalents in many other languages besides English.
