être sur la corde raide
To be busy
حرفيًا: to be on the tight rope
Use this phrase when a situation is so delicate that one mistake causes total failure.
في 15 ثانية
- Being in a risky, precarious, or unstable situation.
- Metaphor for having zero room for any mistakes.
- Used for high-stakes professional, financial, or personal tension.
المعنى
This phrase describes being in a very precarious or risky situation where the slightest mistake could lead to disaster. It is like balancing on a tightrope high above the ground without a safety net.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Talking about a company's finances
Depuis la crise, l'entreprise est sur la corde raide.
Since the crisis, the company has been on thin ice.
Discussing a failing relationship
Leur mariage est sur la corde raide en ce moment.
Their marriage is on the rocks right now.
Texting a friend about a risky plan
Si je rate cet examen, je suis sur la corde raide pour l'année.
If I fail this exam, I'm in a really precarious spot for the year.
خلفية ثقافية
Originating from 17th-century circus arts, this phrase reflects the high-wire act of French diplomacy and social etiquette. It highlights a cultural appreciation for the 'funambule' (tightrope walker) as a symbol of grace under extreme pressure. Today, it is frequently used by French pundits to describe volatile political climates.
The 'Busy' Trap
While some older sources translate this as 'being busy', modern French speakers almost exclusively use it for 'being in a risky situation'. Don't use it just because you have a lot of emails!
Don't confuse the ropes
Make sure you say `corde raide` (tight rope) and not `corde à sauter` (jump rope). Being on a jump rope sounds like a fun gym class, not a crisis!
في 15 ثانية
- Being in a risky, precarious, or unstable situation.
- Metaphor for having zero room for any mistakes.
- Used for high-stakes professional, financial, or personal tension.
What It Means
Imagine a circus performer high in the air. They are walking on a thin, vibrating wire. That is être sur la corde raide. It means you are in a delicate position. One wrong move and everything falls apart. It is about risk, tension, and instability. You are not just busy; you are struggling to stay balanced. It is the feeling of having no room for error.
How To Use It
You use this when describing a stressful situation. Use it with the verb être (to be). You can also say someone is marcher sur la corde raide (walking on the tightrope). It works perfectly for financial, professional, or personal crises. It adds a sense of drama to your conversation. Use it to show you understand the gravity of a situation.
When To Use It
Use it when a project is failing at work. Use it when your bank account is nearly empty. It is great for describing a relationship on the rocks. If you are waiting for a big decision, you are there. It fits perfectly in a serious news discussion. Use it when you feel the pressure rising. It is for those 'make or break' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for minor inconveniences. If you just forgot your umbrella, you are not on a tightrope. Avoid it for simple 'busy-ness' despite what some old dictionaries say. It is too intense for a relaxing weekend. Do not use it if there is no risk involved. It sounds overly dramatic if the stakes are low. Keep it for the real nail-biters.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the world of funambulism (tightrope walking). In the 17th century, performers were a common sight at fairs. The 'corde raide' was the tensioned rope they balanced on. It represents the ultimate human struggle against gravity. It became a metaphor for any dangerous social or political path. It captures the French love for poetic, high-stakes metaphors.
Common Variations
You might hear jouer serré which means to play it tight. Another one is être sur le fil du rasoir (on the razor's edge). Some people say être en équilibre instable. All of these carry that same 'danger' vibe. However, the tightrope image is the most classic. It is the one that really paints a picture for your listener.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This idiom is highly versatile and fits into almost any register. Just ensure the situation involves actual risk or instability rather than just a heavy workload.
The 'Busy' Trap
While some older sources translate this as 'being busy', modern French speakers almost exclusively use it for 'being in a risky situation'. Don't use it just because you have a lot of emails!
Don't confuse the ropes
Make sure you say `corde raide` (tight rope) and not `corde à sauter` (jump rope). Being on a jump rope sounds like a fun gym class, not a crisis!
The Funambule Spirit
French people love the image of the 'funambule'. It suggests that even in a crisis, there is a certain poetic balance required to survive.
أمثلة
6Depuis la crise, l'entreprise est sur la corde raide.
Since the crisis, the company has been on thin ice.
Describes a precarious financial state.
Leur mariage est sur la corde raide en ce moment.
Their marriage is on the rocks right now.
Shows emotional instability and risk of breakup.
Si je rate cet examen, je suis sur la corde raide pour l'année.
If I fail this exam, I'm in a really precarious spot for the year.
Informal use regarding academic stakes.
Avec ce gâteau au chocolat, ma diète est sur la corde raide !
With this chocolate cake, my diet is hanging by a thread!
Using a serious idiom for a lighthearted situation.
Le gouvernement est sur la corde raide face à cette réforme.
The government is in a delicate position regarding this reform.
Standard way to describe political tension.
Fais attention, tu es sur la corde raide avec le patron.
Be careful, you're on very thin ice with the boss.
Warning someone they are close to being fired.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Après ses erreurs répétées, Marc ___ sur la corde raide.
The idiom uses the verb 'être' (to be) to describe the state of being in a risky situation.
Which adjective correctly completes the phrase?
C'est une situation délicate, nous sommes sur la corde ___.
'Raide' means tight or stiff, which is essential for a tightrope.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Être sur la corde raide'
Used with friends about life drama.
Ma vie amoureuse est sur la corde raide.
Perfect for news and workplace talk.
Le projet est sur la corde raide.
Used in political or economic analysis.
La diplomatie est sur la corde raide.
When to use 'La Corde Raide'
Financial Trouble
Bank account at zero.
Job Security
After a bad performance review.
Politics
A controversial new law.
Relationships
After a huge argument.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot really. While it implies you have a lot to handle, the core meaning is that the situation is dangerous or unstable, like Je suis sur la corde raide avec mes finances.
Yes, it is very common in professional settings to describe a project that is at risk of failing, such as Le budget est sur la corde raide.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
In this context, raide means 'taut' or 'tightly stretched', referring to the tension of the rope.
Absolutely. Marcher sur la corde raide emphasizes the action of navigating the risk.
Yes, it is a very close equivalent to 'walking on thin ice' or 'hanging by a thread'.
No, it is almost always used for stressful or negative situations where failure is a possibility.
A more informal way to say you're in trouble might be être dans la sauce, but corde raide remains more descriptive of the risk.
No, if you are tired, use être sur les rotules. Corde raide is about the situation, not your energy level.
Not at all. It is used daily in French newspapers and news broadcasts to describe economic or political instability.
عبارات ذات صلة
Être sur le fil du rasoir
Jouer avec le feu
Tenir à un fil
Être dans une impasse
Marcher sur des œufs
التعليقات (0)
تسجيل الدخول للتعليقابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً
ابدأ التعلم مجاناً