如履薄冰
如履薄冰 (rú lǚ bó bīng) literally means “like walking on thin ice” and expresses “extreme caution in risky situations”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: ru lv bo bing, ru lv bo bing,如履薄冰 meaning, 如履薄冰 in english
Extreme caution in risky situations
Pronunciation: rú lǚ bó bīng Literal meaning: Like walking on thin ice
Origin & Usage
This descends from the Book of Songs: 战战兢兢，如临深渊，如履薄冰 — trembling and cautious, as if standing at the edge of a deep gorge, as if treading (履) on thin (薄) ice (冰). Note it is the Book of Songs, not the Book of Changes. The image assumes the ice is already bearing your weight; the danger is not ahead but underfoot. Proceeding with acute care somewhere the ground could give way.
Examples
English: "The negotiation team proceeded cautiously through the delicate diplomatic situation"
Chinese: 谈判团队谨慎地处理这个微妙的外交局势
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
冰消瓦解
bīng xiāo wǎ jiě
Complete collapse
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冰清玉洁
bīng qīng yù jié
Impeccable moral character and integrity
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唇亡齿寒
chún wáng chǐ hán
Fates linked together
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雪上加霜
xuě shàng jiā shuāng
Add insult to injury; make things worse
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冰天雪地
bīng tiān xuě dì
Harsh conditions
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郑人买履
zhèng rén mǎi lǚ
Inflexible adherence
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讳疾忌医
huì jí jì yī
Hiding problems worsens them
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不寒而栗
bù hán ér lì
Fear-induced shivering
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 如履薄冰 mean in English?
如履薄冰 (rú lǚ bó bīng) literally translates to “Like walking on thin ice” and is used to express “Extreme caution in risky situations”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 如履薄冰 used?
Situation: The negotiation team proceeded cautiously through the delicate diplomatic situation
What is the pinyin for 如履薄冰?
The pinyin pronunciation for 如履薄冰 is “rú lǚ bó bīng”.
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