Signification
In a difficult, uncomfortable, or precarious situation.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is frequently used in political talk shows and was the title of a major 2021 TV series that depicted the 'sizzling' social reality of post-war Syria. Egyptians often use 'على نار' for personal anxiety, but 'على صفيح ساخن' remains the preferred term for newspaper headlines regarding the Nile dam or economic shifts. In the Gulf, the phrase is often applied to global oil markets and regional security discussions in formal councils. Used during the Arab Spring to describe the rapid changes in government and social structure.
Media Literacy
If you hear this on the news, pay attention to the next sentence—it usually explains the cause of the tension.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong idiom. Using it for small things like 'I'm late for the bus' sounds overly dramatic.
Signification
In a difficult, uncomfortable, or precarious situation.
Media Literacy
If you hear this on the news, pay attention to the next sentence—it usually explains the cause of the tension.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong idiom. Using it for small things like 'I'm late for the bus' sounds overly dramatic.
Pair with Verbs
Use the verb 'Yaghli' (boils) with it for extra impact: 'Al-mantiqa taghli ala safeeh sakhin.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
تعيش المنطقة على صفيح _______ بسبب التوترات.
The idiom is 'على صفيح ساخن' (on a hot tin plate).
Which situation best fits the use of this idiom?
متى نستخدم 'على صفيح ساخن'؟
The idiom describes tense and unstable situations.
Match the Arabic sentence with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all correct translations of the idiom in different contexts.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
أحمد: هل الشركة بخير؟ خالد: لا، بعد استقالة المدير، الشركة كلها _______.
The context of a manager resigning suggests instability.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesتعيش المنطقة على صفيح _______ بسبب التوترات.
The idiom is 'على صفيح ساخن' (on a hot tin plate).
متى نستخدم 'على صفيح ساخن'؟
The idiom describes tense and unstable situations.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all correct translations of the idiom in different contexts.
أحمد: هل الشركة بخير؟ خالد: لا، بعد استقالة المدير، الشركة كلها _______.
The context of a manager resigning suggests instability.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is understood everywhere, though it is more common in formal speech and media than in daily street slang.
Yes, to mean they are under pressure or in trouble. 'Huwa ala safeeh sakhin' (He is in the hot seat).
You could say 'Al-wadu mustaqir' (The situation is stable) or 'Ajwa' hadi'a' (Calm atmosphere).
No, 'safeeh' is a sheet of metal. A dinner plate is 'sahn' or 'tabaq'.
Almost always. It implies discomfort and danger.
No, that is not an idiom and wouldn't make sense to a native speaker.
Use 'kaana' (was): 'Kaana al-wad'u ala safeeh sakhin.'
Yes, it is very appropriate for professional writing to describe a crisis.
Safeeh implies a thin sheet that heats up very quickly, making the imagery more intense.
Yes, if the relationship is very rocky and about to end.
Expressions liées
على كف عفريت
similarOn the palm of a demon.
على فوهة بركان
specialized formOn the mouth of a volcano.
قاب قوسين أو أدنى
builds onVery close (within two bow-lengths).
هدوء ما قبل العاصفة
contrastThe calm before the storm.
