Quick answer: “Walk on eggshells” means to behave very cautiously and carefully in order to avoid upsetting someone or causing conflict, especially around a sensitive person or situation.
Walk on eggshells — To behave very cautiously and carefully in order to avoid upsetting someone or causing conflict, especially around a sensitive person or situation.
Origin & History
The idiom relies on a vivid physical image: eggshells are extremely fragile and break easily underfoot, so walking on them would require extreme care with every step.
Applied figuratively, the idiom describes handling a tense interpersonal situation with the same kind of caution — choosing words and actions carefully so as not to “break” the fragile peace and trigger conflict.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Ever since the argument, we've been walking on eggshells around each other. | Personal relationships |
| The staff walk on eggshells whenever the boss is in a bad mood. | Workplace, management |
| I feel like I'm walking on eggshells with my teenage son these days. | Family, parenting |
| After the breakup, their friends walked on eggshells trying not to mention it. | Friendship, sensitivity |
| She walks on eggshells around her mother-in-law to keep the peace. | Family relationships |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He walks in eggshells around her.
He walks on eggshells around her. — the preposition is 'on', not 'in'.
She walks on eggshell around him.
She walks on eggshells around him. — always plural 'eggshells'.
They are walking eggshells.
They are walking on eggshells. — don't drop the preposition 'on'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Walk on eggshells
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Walk on eggshells” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “Ever since the argument, we've been _____ around each other.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Walk on eggshells” mean?
“Walk on eggshells” means To behave very cautiously and carefully in order to avoid upsetting someone or causing conflict, especially around a sensitive person or situation.
Where does the idiom “Walk on eggshells” come from?
The idiom relies on a vivid physical image: eggshells are extremely fragile and break easily underfoot, so walking on them would require extreme care with every step.
Can you give an example of “Walk on eggshells” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “Ever since the argument, we've been walking on eggshells around each other.” — used in the context of personal relationships.
Is “Walk on eggshells” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “Walk on eggshells”?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a common upper-intermediate expression that appears in conversation, journalism, and general writing, and learners at this level should understand and be able to use it actively.
What are common mistakes with “Walk on eggshells”?
A common mistake is: He walks in eggshells around her. The correct form is: He walks on eggshells around her. (the preposition is 'on', not 'in')
What idioms are similar to “Walk on eggshells”?
Similar idioms include: Tread carefully, Handle with kid gloves, Tiptoe around the subject, On thin ice. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “Walk on eggshells”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “Walk on eggshells” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “Walk on eggshells” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “Walk on eggshells” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: To behave very cautiously and carefully in order to avoid upsetting someone or causing conflict, especially around a sensitive person or situation. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.