tightrope

[tahyt-rohp]

noun

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

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tightrope¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; tight + rope

Idioms and Phrases

see walk a tightrope.

Example Sentences

“People aren’t comfortable with that. So performance-wise, that was the hardest part because it was like a tightrope, the tightrope of this woman.”

From Los Angeles Times

Early in the second quarter, he caught a screen pass, did a tightrope run down the Los Angeles sideline and dived into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

Historically, South Korea has balanced its relationships between the US - its military ally - and China - which it relies on for much of its trade - but this tightrope is becoming trickier to walk.

From BBC

The words hit home in a room full of creatives struggling with how to walk a tightrope between corporate mandates to make money and not offend, and government attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion.

From Los Angeles Times

The incident highlights the diplomatic tightrope that Australia is struggling to walk.

From BBC