Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

on thin ice

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.36 in modern English

Syllables
on thin ice
IPA
14
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
1
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

In a dangerous, hazardous, or delicate situation; at risk.

adv

Dangerously, hazardously, delicately.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Suggesting a person skating or walking on a frozen-over body of water, at risk of breaking through and falling into the water.

Phrases

skate on thin ice

Frequently Paired Words

skate on thin ice

Questions

What does on thin ice mean?
In a dangerous, hazardous, or delicate situation; at risk.
Where does on thin ice come from?
Suggesting a person skating or walking on a frozen-over body of water, at risk of breaking through and falling into the water.

How to pronounce on thin ice

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “on thin ice”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “on thin ice”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “on thin ice” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.