On Thin Ice

On Thin Ice -  In a risky or difficult situation. 

Example 1

Nikki: I’m so nervous right now. I’m on thin ice with Dave and I still have to sing with him again tonight when we go out Christmas caroling in the mall.

Ned: What do you mean you are on thin ice? I thought you both loved singing Christmas songs together.

Nikki: That was before I started seeing Todd. I mean, I like Dave as a friend and he is really fun to sing with, but I don’t want to date him. When he saw me out with Todd last night at the restaurant, he seemed really upset.

Ned: Wow, that’s tough. Maybe you should just talk to him about it and tell him how you really feel.

Noriko: Yes, I probably should since I really want to keep him as a friend. Wish me luck!

Example 2

Bob: What’s wrong, Ken?

Ken: Well, I’m afraid I’m about to lose my job. I’m really on thin ice with my boss and he is watching every move I make.

Bob: Really? Why is that?

Ken: Well, recently I’ve been going out with my friends and partying a lot. We stay out really late and it is so hard for me to get up in the mornings. I’m supposed to be to work by 9:00 AM, but I’ve been late a few times.

Bob:  What do you mean by “late?”

Ken: I came in around 10:15 AM a few days. My boss was so angry because we are busy right now and other employees had to cover for me.

Bob: Wow, I can see why you are on thin ice at work. You shouldn’t be late again.

Ken: Yes, I know. I’m really trying to make it on time every day.

Meaning: To be on thin ice means to be in a risky or difficult situation. In the first example, Nikki is on thin ice because she went out with another guy and her friend became upset because he likes her. In the second example, Ken is on thin ice, or is in risk of losing his job, because he has been late a lot to work.  For more information, please visit:www.languagesystems.com.