What does “High-wire act” mean?
"A high-wire act" means a dangerous or risky situation that requires skill and precision to navigate.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Performing a high-wire act without proper training is extremely dangerous.
Example
The CEO successfully navigated the high-wire act of merging two competing companies.
Example
The politician managed to balance multiple conflicting interests in a high-wire act of diplomacy
Is “High-wire act” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“High-wire act” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “High-wire act” effectively in context?
You can use "High-wire act" to describe a situation that is extremely dangerous or risky, emphasizing the need for skill and precision to navigate it successfully. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom:
- 1Sports
Performing a high-wire act without proper training is extremely dangerous.
- 2Business
The CEO successfully navigated the high-wire act of merging two competing companies.
- 3Politics
The politician managed to balance multiple conflicting interests in a high-wire act of diplomacy.
Similar phrases to “High-wire act”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “High-wire act” come from?
The origin of the phrase "High-wire act" is derived from the circus performance art of tightrope walking. Tightrope walkers perform daring feats on a thin wire suspended high above the ground, requiring exceptional balance and skill. The phrase has since been used metaphorically to describe any dangerous or risky situation that requires skill and precision to navigate.
Is “High-wire act” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "High-wire act" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations that require exceptional skill and precision to navigate successfully.
What tone does “High-wire act” have?
"High-wire act" conveys a tone of danger and risk. It implies that the situation being described is challenging and requires a high level of expertise and careful maneuvering.
Can “High-wire act” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "High-wire act" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of a dangerous or risky situation that requires skill and precision. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He successfully navigated the high-wire act of managing multiple projects.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a high-wire act!' to imply a risky situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- delicate situation
- precarious situation
- risky endeavor
- perilous task
- nerve-wracking challenge
Antonyms
- safe bet
- low-risk situation
- stable endeavor
- easy task
- straightforward challenge
