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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: January 30, 2025 • 684 views

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

"had to walk on eggshells"

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

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

"walk on eggshells"

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.
  • May 13, 2022 ... How would you guys translate "walk on eggshells" ino a finnish idiom. I can't seem to find any translations with negative connotations.
  • Do they see how you walk on eggshells around them? Does your partner tend to exaggerate how bad things are? Are their complaints amplified? Do you encounter ...
  • Jan 2, 2020 ... Imo, "to walk on eggshells" implies much more risk of potential negative consequence to yourself and can be used un any situation, not just ...
  • Aug 20, 2021 ... I feel like I walk on eggshells around my boyfriend. It seems like he gets so irritated with me so fast sometimes. what do I do? All related ...
  • Feb 28, 2023 ... ... walk on eggshells around them. In this guide, we'll look into the unhealthy relationship dynamic that compels one person to act overly ...
  • Sep 29, 2020 ... I'm exhausted trying to walk on eggshells for my parents. What do I do? All related (39).
  • Aug 30, 2023 ... ... walk on eggshells, you know that no one is safe.” When I ask people to see who from their past also made them feel like they were walking on ...
  • Mar 3, 2022 ... They know that they are the one that enacts consequences of abuse with their unhealthy boundaries and causes you to walk on eggshells. The ...
  • Jul 11, 2019 ... Everyone has heard and used the term “walk on eggshells.” I think back and chuckle at what I used that term for before dealing with a child ...
  • Mar 6, 2018 ... He said he didn't want to feel like he had to “walk on eggshells” or be inauthentic during the meeting. This moment highlighted something I ...

Alternatives:

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

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