- To be extremely cautious and careful about what you say or do around a particular person.
- Done because that person is easily offended, angered, or upset (i.e., very sensitive or temperamental).
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the literal image of walking on fragile eggshells.
- One must step very lightly and carefully to avoid breaking them.
- Used figuratively since at least the early 20th century to describe careful behavior around sensitive people or topics.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Tiptoe around
- Be super careful
- Watch your mouth / Watch what you say
More Formal:
- Exercise extreme caution / diplomacy
- Proceed delicately / circumspectly
- Be mindful of sensitivities
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal to semi-formal.
- Can be used in professional contexts to describe difficult interpersonal dynamics, but use with discretion as it's quite expressive.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The image is strong; learners should understand it refers to cautious behavior due to fear of causing an emotional reaction, not literal walking.
Examples
- Whenever my mother-in-law visits, I feel like I have to walk on eggshells.
- He's been so stressed lately; everyone at work is walking on eggshells around him.
- You have to walk on eggshells when discussing politics with her.
Dialogue
Chloe: How did the meeting with the client go?
Ben: It was tense. He was questioning every detail. I felt like I was walking on eggshells the whole time, trying not to say the wrong thing.
Chloe: Oh wow, that sounds draining.
Social Media Examples
- That feeling when you have to walk on eggshells around a family member during the holidays. 😬 #FamilyDrama #Awkward
- Navigating office politics sometimes feels like walking on eggshells. Just trying to stay positive and do my job. #WorkLife #CorporateLife
Response Patterns
- Expressing sympathy/understanding: Oh, that sounds stressful., That must be difficult., I know what that's like.
- Asking for reasons: Why? Is he/she very sensitive?, What happens if you upset them?
- Sharing similar experiences: I have to do that with my boss too.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they have to walk on eggshells:
- Ask for clarification: Why is that?, What makes them so hard to deal with?
- Express sympathy: That sounds exhausting., I'm sorry you have to deal with that.
- Discuss coping strategies: How do you manage?
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes behavior in response to a sensitive person or situation.
Intonation
- Emphasis on walk and eggshells.
- Often said with a tone of stress, caution, or weariness.
- We were all WALKING on EGGSHELLS.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.