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 • 620 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 [+]

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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had to walk on eggshells vs walk on eggshells