être sur la corde raide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.