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tightrope

Definition

  • noun: a tightly stretched rope or wire high above the ground that a performer walks on, does tricks on, etc., especially in a circus
  • noun: a rope or wire stretched taut for acrobats to perform on
  • often used figuratively to describe a dangerous or uncertain situation in which you have to be very careful not to make mistakes
  • synonyms: high wire

Examples

  • As soldiers during the war, we 'walked a tightrope' between life and death every day.

  • The writer manages to 'walk a tightrope' between good humor and poor taste.

  • a 'tightrope' walker

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) just one night off. Yellow Dragon Circus, in London for one day. It fits. The Tong sent an assassin to England... Dressed as a tightrope walker. Come on, Sherlock, behave! We're looking for a killer who can climb, who can shin up a rope. Where else would you find that level of dexterity? (..)
    2010 TvShow: Sherlock Title: The Blind Banker Season: 1 Episode 2