How do you say “On thin ice” in French?
The closest natural French equivalent is être sur la corde raide, which literally means “to be on the tightrope”. English speakers use on thin ice to mean in a risky situation where making one more mistake will cause serious trouble. Native speakers readily use this circus metaphor to describe a precarious situation where a single misstep could lead to disaster. It matches the danger and high stakes of 'on thin ice' closely. It is neutral, informal and common in everyday French.
Closest natural French
être sur la corde raide
/ɛtʁ syʁ la kɔʁd ʁɛd/
- Literal meaning
- “to be on the tightrope”
- Register
- neutral, informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
88 out of 100
What a native French speaker would actually say
While English borrows from winter survival with 'on thin ice', French turns to circus imagery with 'être sur la corde raide' (literally 'to be on the tightrope'). Both idioms convey the exact same psychological reality: a precarious balance where one single slip, mistake, or miscalculation will result in an immediate fall and serious consequences.
In direct warnings like 'You're on thin ice, mister!', French speakers also frequently switch to 'Tu es sur un terrain glissant' (slippery ground) or 'Tu joues avec le feu' (playing with fire), depending on whether the danger comes from a sensitive topic or willful provocation. Avoid translating the ice metaphor literally, as 'sur de la glace mince' instantly flags non-native phrasing.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity2 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in French?
être sur un terrain glissant
Literally: “to be on slippery ground”
Common when someone is venturing into risky conversational topics or making questionable decisions.
jouer avec le feu
Literally: “to play with fire”
Emphasizes the recklessness of provoking trouble rather than the fragile state itself.
marcher sur des œufs
Literally: “to walk on eggs”
Closer to 'walking on eggshells', focusing on the extreme caution required.
Don't translate it literally
être sur de la glace fine
This is a direct word-for-word calque from English that sounds unnatural to European French speakers, though occasionally heard as an anglicism in Quebec.
Word-for-word versions like these are understood as literal statements in French, not as expressions.
In context
English
After showing up late three times this week, he is really on thin ice with his boss.
French
Après être arrivé en retard trois fois cette semaine, il est vraiment sur la corde raide avec son patron.
English
Be careful what you say to her right now; you're on thin ice.
French
Fais attention à ce que tu lui dis en ce moment, tu es sur un terrain glissant.
Related expressions
Last reviewed 2026-09-11