Example: Das Verhandeln in dieser Situation kann leicht eine Gratwanderung sein.
Definition
"Eine Gratwanderung sein" is a German expression meaning to be a delicate or risky balancing act, where one must carefully navigate between two difficult or opposing options to avoid failure or conflict.
Translations
be a balancing act
ser un equilibrio delicado
een moeilijke evenwichtsoefening zijn
ser un equilibri delicat
être un exercice d'équilibriste
Etymology
The phrase "eine Gratwanderung sein" literally means 'to be a ridge walk' in German. It originates from mountaineering, where walking along a narrow ridge (Grat) requires careful balance and attention to avoid falling. This metaphor was adopted to describe situations requiring careful judgment.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Eine Gratwanderung sein" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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be a balancing act