tightrope

American  

[tahyt-rohp] / ˈtaɪtˌroʊp /

noun

1. a rope or wire cable, stretched tight, on which acrobats perform feats of balancing.

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verb (used without object)

tightroped, tightroping

1. to walk, move, or proceed on or as on a tightrope.

   He tightroped through enemy territory.

verb (used with object)

tightroped, tightroping

1. to make (one's way, course, etc.) on or as on a tightrope.

tightrope British  

/ ˈtaɪtˌrəʊp /

noun

1. a rope or cable stretched taut above the ground on which acrobats walk or perform balancing feats

2. to be in a difficult situation that demands careful and considered behaviour

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tightrope Idioms  

1. see walk a tightrope.

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Etymology

Origin of tightrope

First recorded in 1795–1805; tight + rope

Explanation

A tightrope is a thin, tightly stretched wire or rope meant to be walked on. If you go to the circus, you may see acrobats doing tricks on tightropes high above the ground. Some tightrope walkers hold long sticks that help them balance, and others do somersaults, juggle, or dance, all while balancing on the tightrope. Another kind of acrobatics is slackrope walking, performed on loose or slack wires or ropes. The technical term for the art of walking on a tightrope or slackrope is funambulism — and a person who does it is a funambulist.

Example Sentences

Walking a Tightrope: King Charles III is said to want a more accessible, forward-looking and inclusive monarchy.

From New York Times • May 6, 2023

Tightrope walking: Practice walking on an imaginary line, placing one foot directly in front of the other but not touching.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2023

In 2012 a documentary, The Tightrope, directed by his son, Simon, examined Brook's directing style, using hidden cameras so the actors would not be distracted.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2022

Tightrope Winery 2017 riesling, Okanagan Valley, $22: This superb riesling from north of the border reveals the perfect tension between acidity and flavors of orchard fruit and spiciness.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2018

Walking the Tightrope 24th Street Theatre remounts its production of Mike Kenney’s family-friendly fable about losing a loved one.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2016