The idiom “walking on eggshells” refers to being cautious around sensitive or volatile people. Its origin is disputed, but it is similar to other cautionary actions. It can be a form of self-preservation and is necessary in situations where diplomacy outweighs confrontation.
The idiom walking on eggshells generally describes a situation where people have to tread lightly on a sensitive subject or make every effort not to offend a fickle or oversensitive person. Literally walking on empty eggshells would require exceptional caution and self-control, similar to the feeling of avoiding conflict with an easily disturbed friend, relative, or employer. Family members of active or rabid alcoholics often use this phrase to describe their careful avoidance of conflict with their loved one.
The origin of the idiom is a matter of dispute, but the general consensus is that walking on eggshells comes from the same place as other cautionary actions, such as walking on thin ice or broken glass. Some sources suggest it comes from an earlier idiom, “walking on eggshells.” While walking on eggshells presents enough difficulty for most people, walking on the entire egg without damage would be nearly impossible. Some politicians who took extraordinarily cautious stances on an issue were said to have the dubious ability to walk on eggshells without breaking them.
There are many people who have poor anger management skills or a wild temper. Even the slightest offense or deviation from routine can be enough to trigger an emotional outburst or explosive physical reaction. This volatility may be enough to cause others to modify their behavior and actions to maintain a tense but viable job or social environment. Walking on eggshells around a known hot-tempered or temperamental person can be seen as a form of self-preservation, though often accompanied by feelings of anxiety or dread. Failure to maintain such a non-confrontational atmosphere can end badly.
There are also times when people may feel like walking on eggshells around otherwise self-controlled family members, colleagues, or employers. A certain topic can prove so potentially upsetting that others agree not to discuss it with those who affect them the most. Family members can be extremely wary of a patient until the results of an important medical test are revealed, for example. Employees can feel like they are walking on eggshells until their employer learns the fate of a project. Any circumstance where the need for diplomacy and tact outweighs the need for direct confrontation could easily trigger the need to tread lightly. Once the situation has been resolved or the person’s coping skills have improved, such careful action may no longer be necessary.
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