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

Backstopping Milei’s austerity measures and foreign-exchange policies with the U.S. government’s help will be a high-wire act for both Bessent and Caputo, along with the Argentine central bank and ministries that he has packed with other former JPMorgan executives.

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“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.

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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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