high-wire act

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]

Example Sentences

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

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Liverpool's high-wire act has been fraught with danger this season and the Premier League champions have now lost their balance spectacularly to fall from the top of the table.

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After a first year in office that disappointed many in the Labour Party, and left them in the polling doldrums, his big moment on the podium at conference was already set to be a high-wire act.

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

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Starmer's high-wire act has just become even more dangerous.

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