Example: Después del error, el equipo está en la cuerda floja.
Definition
"Estar en la cuerda floja" is a Spanish expression meaning to be in a precarious or risky situation, where one's position or success is uncertain and could easily fail or collapse, similar to walking on a tightrope.
Translations
to be in a precarious position
op glad ijs zitten
estar en la corda fluixa
être sur la corde raide
auf der Kippe stehen
Etymology
The phrase "estar en la cuerda floja" literally means 'to be on the loose rope,' referring to a tightrope that is not firmly secured, symbolizing a dangerous or unstable position. It originates from the circus art of tightrope walking, where balance is critical and any misstep could lead to a fall. Did you know? This vivid metaphor has been used in Spanish for centuries to describe risky situations.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Estar en la cuerda floja" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be in a precarious position