high wire

American  

noun

1. a tightrope stretched very high above the ground.

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high wire British  

noun

1. a tightrope stretched high in the air for balancing acts

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Etymology

Origin of high wire

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

“Trump is walking on a high wire without a net, telegraphing that he has nothing to lose and is willing to risk dangerous outcomes to rally support,” said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist in Washington.

From Reuters

"He's a conjurer, he's a magician, he's a high wire artist, and he's a communicator extraordinaire. He is, I'll say it again, a radio genius, and he will always be a radio hero."

From BBC

Daniels was doing a production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” when veteran stuntman Bob Yerkes taught him to juggle and walk on a high wire.

From Los Angeles Times

“But this year, we have so much new material, there’s already a built-in to-do list. We’re already on the high wire.”

From New York Times

Comedy is best when it occupies that high wire where humor and pain engage in a perilously delicate dance.

From Washington Post