Walking on eggshells is an idiom that means to be very careful not to offend or upset someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone feels anxious or tense because they are afraid of triggering a negative reaction from another person. For example, if someone has a boss who is very strict and easily angered, they might say that they have to walk on eggshells at work.
The origin of this expression is not clear, but some possible explanations are:
- It may come from the idea that eggshells are very fragile and can break easily, so walking on them would require a lot of caution and delicacy.
- It may be related to the ancient superstition that breaking an eggshell after eating the egg would release the soul of the bird that laid it, so people would crush the shells or bury them to prevent evil spirits from entering them.
- It may be a metaphor for the thin line between peace and war, as some historical events were triggered by seemingly minor incidents, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that sparked World War I.
The phrase walk on eggshells is often used in the context of interpersonal relationships, especially when there is a power imbalance or a history of conflict or abuse. Some examples of situations where someone might walk on eggshells are:
- A child who lives with an alcoholic or abusive parent who can become violent or unpredictable at any moment.
- A spouse who is in an unhappy or unhealthy marriage with a partner who is controlling, manipulative, or unfaithful.
- A friend who is trying to support someone who is going through a difficult time, such as depression, addiction, or grief, but does not know how to help or what to say.
- A coworker who is working on a project with a team leader who is demanding, critical, or micromanaging.
- A student who is studying under a teacher who is strict, unfair, or biased.
