走钢丝

走鋼絲

zǒugāngsī

phrase #27,971

Meanings

1 to walk a tightrope
2 to take a risky balancing act (literal and figurative)

Characters

silk thread; wire

Examples

HSK 7-9

杂技演员在高空走钢丝，让观众屏息凝神。

Zájì yǎnyuán zài gāokōng zǒugāngsī, ràng guānzhòng bǐngxī níngshén.

The acrobat walked the tightrope high above, holding the audience breathless.

HSK 7-9

谈判代表在两国之间走钢丝，力求达成共识。

Tánpàn dàibiǎo zài liǎng guó zhījiān zǒugāngsī, lìqiú dáchéng gòngshí.

The negotiators walked a tightrope between the two countries, striving to reach a consensus.

Tips

usage

走钢丝 is used literally (tightrope walking in a circus act) and figuratively to describe any situation where someone must maintain a delicate and precarious balance, such as in diplomacy or office politics.

Stroke Order

走 zǒu

钢 gāng

丝 sī