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
一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Shirk effort by preference
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Push far enough and it turns
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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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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