walk a tightrope

Idioms  

1. Also, be on a tightrope. Take or be on a very precarious course, as in A university press must walk a tightrope to publish scholarly books and still make money, or The general was on a tightrope as to whether he should advance or retreat. This idiom transfers the balancing act performed by tightrope or high-wire acrobats to other concerns. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Ofcom is trying to walk a tightrope between online safety and freedom of speech.

From BBC

The Carney government has had to walk a tightrope in dealing with public dismay over US relations.

From BBC

Nicole LaVoi, who helms the Tucker Center — a research hub focused on advocating for girls and women in sports — said the narrative surrounding female athletes forces them to walk a tightrope: speak up and risk being dismissed as an emotional woman or stay quiet and let the league’s image unravel.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Scott said that as a female politician, Ms Harris will also likely be forced to walk a tightrope where she is perceived as strong in attacking her Republican rival, but doesn’t risk being seen as angry.

From BBC

It’s not every day that you see a teamster walk a tightrope, but on Monday night, Sean O’Brien, president of the mighty Teamsters union, was doing just that at the Republican National Convention.

From Slate