high-wire act

Idioms  

1. A risky job or operation, as in The university press is not allowed to either make or lose money—that's a high-wire act. This expression alludes to the aerialist performing on a tightrope stretched high above the ground. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

He is in the middle of trying to pull off the high-wire act of simultaneously listing his hedge-fund firm and a new closed-end fund focused on individual investors, Pershing Square USA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“Ragtime” draws a portrait of America at a time of turmoil with broad dramatic strokes and emotional specificity, a high-wire act that might daunt the likes of Houdini—yet another character in the show.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

But walking that path is becoming a high-wire act: If the U.S. can continue on this trajectory, the reward is high.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

But some in government believe this is seen as too much of a high-wire act, and don't want to risk defeat.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

With life a continuous high-wire act, he trained every surviving fiber to precision, dexterity, and tenacity.

From A Matter of Proportion by Walker, Anne