In 15 Seconds
- Being in a risky, precarious, or unstable situation.
- Metaphor for having zero room for any mistakes.
- Used for high-stakes professional, financial, or personal tension.
Meaning
This phrase describes being in a very precarious or risky situation where the slightest mistake could lead to disaster. It is like balancing on a tightrope high above the ground without a safety net.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a company's finances
Depuis la crise, l'entreprise est sur la corde raide.
Since the crisis, the company has been on thin ice.
Discussing a failing relationship
Leur mariage est sur la corde raide en ce moment.
Their marriage is on the rocks right now.
Texting a friend about a risky plan
Si je rate cet examen, je suis sur la corde raide pour l'année.
If I fail this exam, I'm in a really precarious spot for the year.
Cultural Background
In French politics, 'être sur la corde raide' is frequently used to describe the 'cohabitation' periods where the President and the Prime Minister belong to different political parties. In Quebec, the phrase is just as common as in France, often used in the context of the harsh winters and the economic risks associated with seasonal industries. Belgian French uses this idiom to describe the complex linguistic and administrative balance between the Flemish and French-speaking communities. In Swiss French, it might be used to describe the country's famous neutrality during international conflicts—a constant balancing act.
Use with 'marcher'
To sound more dynamic, use 'marcher sur la corde raide' instead of 'être'. it emphasizes the ongoing struggle.
Avoid 'dans'
Never say 'dans la corde'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from another language.
In 15 Seconds
- Being in a risky, precarious, or unstable situation.
- Metaphor for having zero room for any mistakes.
- Used for high-stakes professional, financial, or personal tension.
What It Means
Imagine a circus performer high in the air. They are walking on a thin, vibrating wire. That is être sur la corde raide. It means you are in a delicate position. One wrong move and everything falls apart. It is about risk, tension, and instability. You are not just busy; you are struggling to stay balanced. It is the feeling of having no room for error.
How To Use It
You use this when describing a stressful situation. Use it with the verb être (to be). You can also say someone is marcher sur la corde raide (walking on the tightrope). It works perfectly for financial, professional, or personal crises. It adds a sense of drama to your conversation. Use it to show you understand the gravity of a situation.
When To Use It
Use it when a project is failing at work. Use it when your bank account is nearly empty. It is great for describing a relationship on the rocks. If you are waiting for a big decision, you are there. It fits perfectly in a serious news discussion. Use it when you feel the pressure rising. It is for those 'make or break' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for minor inconveniences. If you just forgot your umbrella, you are not on a tightrope. Avoid it for simple 'busy-ness' despite what some old dictionaries say. It is too intense for a relaxing weekend. Do not use it if there is no risk involved. It sounds overly dramatic if the stakes are low. Keep it for the real nail-biters.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the world of funambulism (tightrope walking). In the 17th century, performers were a common sight at fairs. The 'corde raide' was the tensioned rope they balanced on. It represents the ultimate human struggle against gravity. It became a metaphor for any dangerous social or political path. It captures the French love for poetic, high-stakes metaphors.
Common Variations
You might hear jouer serré which means to play it tight. Another one is être sur le fil du rasoir (on the razor's edge). Some people say être en équilibre instable. All of these carry that same 'danger' vibe. However, the tightrope image is the most classic. It is the one that really paints a picture for your listener.
Usage Notes
This idiom is highly versatile and fits into almost any register. Just ensure the situation involves actual risk or instability rather than just a heavy workload.
Use with 'marcher'
To sound more dynamic, use 'marcher sur la corde raide' instead of 'être'. it emphasizes the ongoing struggle.
Avoid 'dans'
Never say 'dans la corde'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from another language.
Journalism favorite
If you read 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro', you will see this phrase at least once a week. It's a staple of French high-level reporting.
Examples
6Depuis la crise, l'entreprise est sur la corde raide.
Since the crisis, the company has been on thin ice.
Describes a precarious financial state.
Leur mariage est sur la corde raide en ce moment.
Their marriage is on the rocks right now.
Shows emotional instability and risk of breakup.
Si je rate cet examen, je suis sur la corde raide pour l'année.
If I fail this exam, I'm in a really precarious spot for the year.
Informal use regarding academic stakes.
Avec ce gâteau au chocolat, ma diète est sur la corde raide !
With this chocolate cake, my diet is hanging by a thread!
Using a serious idiom for a lighthearted situation.
Le gouvernement est sur la corde raide face à cette réforme.
The government is in a delicate position regarding this reform.
Standard way to describe political tension.
Fais attention, tu es sur la corde raide avec le patron.
Be careful, you're on very thin ice with the boss.
Warning someone they are close to being fired.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la préposition et l'adjectif corrects.
Depuis que l'usine a fermé, toute l'économie de la région est ________ la corde ________.
L'idiome correct utilise la préposition 'sur' et l'adjectif 'raide'.
Quelle phrase utilise l'idiome de manière naturelle ?
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'idiome s'applique parfaitement à une situation politique précaire.
Associez l'expression à son synonyme ou contexte.
Faites correspondre les éléments :
Chaque expression a une nuance différente de risque ou de problème.
Complétez le dialogue avec une forme de l'expression.
A: Comment va ton projet de start-up ? B: C'est difficile, on n'a plus d'argent. On ________________________.
Toutes ces formes sont grammaticalement correctes et naturelles.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tightrope vs Razor's Edge
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDepuis que l'usine a fermé, toute l'économie de la région est ________ la corde ________.
L'idiome correct utilise la préposition 'sur' et l'adjectif 'raide'.
Choisissez la meilleure option :
L'idiome s'applique parfaitement à une situation politique précaire.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Chaque expression a une nuance différente de risque ou de problème.
A: Comment va ton projet de start-up ? B: C'est difficile, on n'a plus d'argent. On ________________________.
Toutes ces formes sont grammaticalement correctes et naturelles.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral to formal. You can use it in a business meeting or a newspaper article, but it's also fine in a serious talk with friends.
Yes, but it's almost always used figuratively today. If you're talking about a real tightrope walker, you'd usually say 'le funambule'.
'Sur le fil du rasoir' (on the razor's edge) is more intense and implies a sharper, more dangerous risk.
Yes, using 'une' instead of 'la' is possible, but 'la' is much more common as it refers to the concept of the tightrope.
Yes, it is universally understood in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and African Francophone countries.
It means 'stiff' or 'tightly stretched'. While 'raide' can mean 'steep' (like a hill), in this context, it's about the tension of the rope.
Use the imperfect: 'J'étais sur la corde raide' or the passé composé: 'J'ai été sur la corde raide'.
Not a direct one, but 'être en galère' or 'être sur la sellette' (to be in the hot seat) are related informal ways to describe trouble.
Usually no. It almost always implies a risk of failure or disaster, not a 'good' kind of excitement.
'Corde raide' is the fixed idiom. 'Corde tendue' is literal and not used in the figurative sense.
Related Phrases
Être sur le fil du rasoir
synonymTo be on the razor's edge.
Jouer les équilibristes
similarTo act as a balancing artist.
Brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts
contrastTo burn the candle at both ends.
Avoir le cul entre deux chaises
similarTo have one's butt between two chairs.
