had to walk on eggshells vs walk on eggshells

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Had to walk on eggshells' implies a past necessity to be cautious or delicate in a situation, while 'walk on eggshells' suggests a current need to be careful or sensitive. The addition of 'had to' in the first phrase emphasizes the past requirement for caution.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 556 views

had to walk on eggshells

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a past necessity to be cautious or delicate in a situation.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone needed to be very careful or sensitive in their actions or words in the past.

Examples:

After the argument, she had to walk on eggshells around him for weeks.
He had to walk on eggshells during the negotiations to avoid upsetting the other party.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just as people with diabetes have a problem regulating their blood sugar and must test it several times a day, people with BPD find it difficult to be emotionally ...
Aug 5, 2015 ... Harvin wasn't done revealing information about his failed stint, also saying that he had to "walk on eggshells." "Seattle at times I kind of felt as I ...
It was a tough job and he had to walk on eggshells to do it, but I feel he has managed to strike a better balance with the aid of his compromise amendments.
Mary was going through a rough time and her family felt like they had to 'walk on eggshells' around her. What does to 'walk on eggshells' mean ...

Alternatives:

tread carefully
be cautious
be delicate
watch one's step
mind one's Ps and Qs

walk on eggshells

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a current need to be careful or sensitive in a situation.

This phrase is used to describe a current situation where someone needs to be very careful or sensitive in their actions or words.

Examples:

She felt like she had to walk on eggshells around her boss.
In such a tense environment, it's important to walk on eggshells.

Show examples from the web [+]

walk on eggshells. 1. Fig. to walk very carefully; to take steps gingerly. Since he stumbled and fell against the china cabinet, Bill has been walking on eggshells.
walk on eggshells (third-person singular simple present walks on eggshells, present participle walking on eggshells, simple past and past participle walked on ...
This is the British English definition of walk on eggshells / eggs. View American English definition of walk on eggshells / eggs. Change your default dictionary to ...
If you have to walk on eggshells when with someone, you have to be very careful because they get angry or offended very easily. ('Walk on eggs' is also used.).

Alternatives:

be cautious
tread lightly
handle with care
be sensitive
mind one's manners

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had to walk on eggshells vs walk on eggshells