walk on broken glass: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘walk on broken glass’ mean?
The idiom "walk on broken glass" means to endure a tremendously difficult or painful situation without showing any signs of discomfort or weakness.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "weather the storm" means to endure or survive a difficult or challenging situation, often through perseverance and resilience.
The idiom "weather the storm" is a common phrase in the English language, with a clear meaning and historical origins. It refers to the ability to endure or withstand a difficult or challenging situation. This idiom is widely understood in both spoken and written English.
The idiom "walk on the wild side" means to engage in risky or unconventional behavior, often associated with breaking societal norms or boundaries.
The idiom "walk on sunshine" means to be extremely happy and filled with joy. It conveys a sense of elation and positivity, as if one is metaphorically floating or skipping along without a care in the world.
The idiom "walk on eggshells" means to proceed with extreme caution and sensitivity in order to avoid upsetting or angering someone.
The idiom "walk in the snow" refers to a difficult or challenging task that requires extra effort and perseverance. It suggests overcoming obstacles and making progress despite unfavorable conditions. This idiom emphasizes the need for resilience and determination when faced with adversity.
The idiom "walk all over" means to treat someone poorly or without respect, taking advantage of their weakness or vulnerability.
The idiom "tread carefully" means to proceed cautiously or with great care and consideration, especially in a sensitive or delicate situation.
The idiom "tough going" means that a situation or task is difficult or challenging. It implies that progress or success is not easily achieved and requires a lot of effort and perseverance.
The idiom "tough break" means experiencing a difficult or unfortunate situation, often through no fault of one's own.
The idiom "tough break" is a common expression used in American English. It is widely understood to convey a sense of sympathy or empathy toward someone who has experienced an unfortunate or challenging situation. The phrase is often used to acknowledge and express condolences for someone's misfortune.
Becoming Unbreakable
"Walk on broken glass" is a figurative expression that means to endure a difficult or painful situation. It can be traced back to the early 20th century.
When we hear the phrase "walk on broken glass," our minds conjure images of pain and danger. The literal act of walking on broken glass is known to be extremely uncomfortable and hazardous. This idiom takes that physical experience and applies it to challenging or uncomfortable situations we face in life.
Just like walking on broken glass requires caution and fortitude, enduring difficult circumstances also demands resilience and bravery. When we say someone is "walking on broken glass," we mean that they are facing a situation that is arduous, that tests their limits.
This idiom shares similarities with other expressions, such as "walk on eggshells" and "walk in the snow." Each of these idioms describes a different kind of challenge, but they all convey the idea of treading carefully and cautiously.
When we say someone is "walking on eggshells," we mean they are being extremely careful and sensitive in their actions and words. It indicates that they are navigating a sensitive or volatile situation where any misstep could have negative consequences. Just as walking on broken glass requires vigilance to avoid injury, walking on eggshells requires delicate handling to avoid conflict.
Similarly, when we say someone is "walking in the snow," we mean they are facing adversity in an unfamiliar or difficult environment. Walking in the snow can be treacherous and challenging, requiring extra effort and adaptability. This idiom emphasizes the need for resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship.
These idioms, "walk on broken glass," "walk on eggshells," and "walk in the snow," all convey the idea of facing difficult circumstances and require resilience, caution, and adaptability. They remind us that life is full of challenges, but with the right mindset and determination, we can overcome them.
Next time you find yourself confronted with a difficult situation, remember these idioms. Think about the imagery they evoke and the mindset they represent. Whether you're walking on broken glass, eggshells, or through the snow, channel your inner strength and face the challenge head-on. After all, the journey may be tough, but the rewards are often worth it.
So, let's embrace these idioms and the lessons they teach us. Instead of shying away from difficult situations, let's walk on broken glass, walk on eggshells, and walk in the snow with confidence and resilience. Remember, it's in those challenging moments that we truly grow and thrive.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *walk on broken glass* can be used in a sentence:
- After her breakup, Sarah had to walk on broken glass every time she saw her ex-boyfriend at work.
- The politician knew he was walking on broken glass when he addressed the controversial topic during the debate.
- As an actor, you have to be prepared to walk on broken glass and face rejection during auditions.
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