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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.
  • 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.
  • 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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