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You may have heard somebody using the idiom broken glass during an English conversation, you may have also wondered what the meaning behind this term was. In this article, we are going to take a look at the meaning of the term as well as looking at the history behind it in order to discover where it first came from. We will also be taking a look at some examples of the phrase being used in a conversation to help us further understand how it functions.
“Broken Glass” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The idiom broken glass, or to use its full name ‘walking on broken glass‘ is used as a figurative way to refer to a punishment.
“Broken Glass” Meaning
The phrase “broken glass” as an idiom typically refers to a situation or state of being that is fragile, damaged, or in disarray. It can imply emotional distress, a breakdown in relationships, or a precarious situation that requires careful handling.
Examples:
- “After their falling out, their friendship felt like broken glass; it was sharp and painful to navigate.”
- “The team was in a state of broken glass after the unexpected layoffs; morale was low, and trust was shattered.”
Origin of This Phrase
The term broken glass comes from an old punishment of literally walking on broken glass, giving it the meaning it has today.
Usage of “Broken Glass”
- Talking about a fragile situation:
“The negotiations were tense, and one wrong word could shatter the agreement like broken glass.”
- In a discussion about emotional vulnerability:
“After the scandal, the politician’s career felt like broken glass—fragile and in need of careful handling.”
- Describing a difficult relationship:
“Their friendship was like broken glass; it had been damaged by years of misunderstandings and mistrust.”
- In a metaphorical sense about challenges:
“Navigating the aftermath of the crisis was like walking on broken glass; every step required caution and care.”
Related Terms to “Broken Glass”
- Shattered – broken into many pieces; symbolizes destruction or loss.
- Fragile – easily broken or damaged; indicates delicacy and vulnerability.
- Sharp edges – refers to the dangers or difficulties associated with a situation that is unstable or harmful.
- Wounded – injured or hurt, either physically or emotionally.
- Torn apart – describes something that has been severely damaged or disrupted, especially in a relational context.
- In ruins – a phrase indicating that something is in a state of complete destruction or disarray.
- Glass half empty – a metaphor for pessimism; viewing situations negatively.
- Emotional scars – lasting effects from painful experiences, similar to the danger posed by broken glass.
- Caution – the need to be careful, especially in sensitive situations.
- Delicate balance – a term describing a situation that requires careful management to avoid disaster.
Other Ways to Say “Broken Glass”
There are a few other ways in which you can refer to the meaning of the term broken glass.
Let’s take a look at some of these ways to say the phrase with different wording.
- In trouble
- Facing someone’s wrath
“Broken Glass” Examples
Example Sentences
We are now going to take a look at some sentences in which the term broken glass might appear.
The first is a statement being made in a letter.
- My husband found out that I had an affair and he didn’t leave me but he certainly has me on broken glass.
The next sentence is one being said by someone at work.
- I’m lucky to still have a job after what I did, the boss is going to have me on broken glass for a while.
Conversation Examples
There are a lot of conversations in which you may hear the term broken glass being used. Let’s take a look at some examples of what you might hear.
The first conversation is taking place between two friends.
- Person 1: “Are you still angry at Jim for crashing your car?”
- Person 2: “Yes, I am.”
- Person 1: “How long are you going to have him walking on broken glass for?”
The second conversation is happening between a teacher and a student.
- Person 1: “You really need to start handing in your homework on time.”
- Person 2: “I always forget.”
- Person 1: “I might be understanding but if the head teacher hears about this he will have you on broken glass for a long time.”
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