What does it mean to work on egg shells?

Asked by: Prof. Emmett Kshlerin  |  Last update: October 27, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

(idiomatic) To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something. (idiomatic) To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters.

What is the metaphor for walking on eggshells?

“Walking on Eggshells” is a metaphor that is often used when describing a feeling of being trapped by another's will and when our voice is silenced.

Where does the term walking on eggshells come from?

The original, 18th-century version was to “tread on eggs,” which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as “to walk warily, as on delicate ground.” The only two citations for the whole-egg version in the OED are from the same author, Roger North, and appear in biographical works he published around 1734.

What is the eggshells in a relationship?

People who communicate passively tend to avoid conflict if possible. This is the "walking on eggshells" form of communication, where a person struggles to assert their position or set a boundary. They may struggle to bring up issues and leave the relationship rather than address them.

What is the meaning of egg shell?

1. : the hard exterior covering of an egg. 2. : something resembling an eggshell especially in fragility. eggshell.

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16 related questions found

What is the quote about egg shells?

Hope can be the most wonderful thing in the world or it can crush your heart like an eggshell. The atmosphere almost looks like an eggshell on an egg, it's so thin. We know that we don't have much air - we need to protect what we have.

What is egg shell personality?

The word eggshell, defined in the dictionary as the hard outer layer of an egg, is a rarely used expression to describe someone who is very emotionally sensitive and whose feelings are easily hurt.

What does walking on eggshells mean in friendship?

When we are so-called walking on eggshells, we are trying to keep the peace because we are overly concerned with the reaction of the other person. When we do this, we are giving our power away to that person.

What mental disorder is walking on eggshells?

The term “walking on eggshells” is often used to describe being around a person with BPD. People with BPD seem like they might explode any minute, and their responses are usually disproportionate to the perceived problems.

What does it mean to treat someone like an egg?

Treating Each Other at Least as Good as an Egg! THEORY: Relationships are fragile. Handle with care... like an EGG! Years of trust and connectedness can be crushed with cruel words or actions.

Am I walking on eggshells in my relationship?

Signs of Walking on Eggshells

A partner that gets angry at the slightest provocation. Angry outbursts and complaints that are often blown out of proportion. Verbal disagreements or even assault that become staples of the relationship. One partner placed on constant guard around the other.

Why do I walk on eggshells around my daughter?

The fear of estrangement—of being cut out of our grown kids' lives—is why we tread so carefully around them, and why we sometimes feel inauthentic, as if we're pretending to be someone we're not, in their presence. It's an implicit recognition of the power shift in the relationship. They can come and go as they like.

Why do I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around everyone?

Walking on eggshells around everyone is how they cope with relationships. The world and others are unsafe, bad things can happen unexpectedly and quickly and so they are perpetually careful and cautious. Not making waves is not a strategy but a way of life.

What does it mean when your boyfriend says he is walking on eggshells?

The term “walking on eggshells” means that you have to be very careful about what you say or do to another person because they get easily upset, offended, or will explode in anger and lash out at you.

How do you use eggshells in a sentence?

As it is a district matter, people will be treading on eggshells. He tiptoed on eggshells all over the issue, and that was quite unnecessary. To start with he was very tentative about it because he realised that he was treading on eggshells by mentioning it.

What is the meaning of eggshell mother?

Being an 'eggshell parent' means being emotionally unpredictable and prone to mood swings – causing someone to walk on eggshells.

Why do narcissists make you walk on eggshells?

Narcissists LIKE people walking on egg shells. It makes them feel powerful, and it usually gives them more control over those around them. People in fear are more likely to do as they're told. Most people feel uncomfortable when they're walking on egg shells, and want to alleviate the situation.

How do you stop walking on eggshells around people?

10 Ways to stop walking on Eggshells
  1. Get out of the pattern of rescuing the person or taking responsibility for their problem. ...
  2. Stop trying to fix the person. ...
  3. Own the pattern you have to break within yourself. ...
  4. Get back to your authentic self. ...
  5. Detach with love.

What personality disorder is rambling?

People with schizotypal personality disorder are often identified as having an eccentric personality. They might take magical thinking, superstitions, or paranoid thoughts very seriously, avoiding people whom they irrationally mistrust. They also might dress strangely or ramble in speech.

What is an example of walking on eggshells?

to be very careful not to offend or upset someone: If you're sick you don't want people treating you differently, and you really don't want people walking on eggshells around you. When he's tired we spend the day walking on eggshells as he becomes stubborn and grumpy.

How do I disengage from toxic friends?

How to eliminate toxic people from your life.
  1. Let them know how you feel. While you do not owe them an explanation, this is probably more for you. ...
  2. Put some distance between you and them. ...
  3. Set hard boundaries. ...
  4. Don't be pulled into a crisis. ...
  5. Spend more time with positive people. ...
  6. Talk to someone. ...
  7. Forgive but don't forget.

What are toxic friendships?

Or maybe you just don't like who you are around them. Sound familiar? Then you might be in a toxic friendship. “Toxic friendships happen when one person is being emotionally harmed or used by another, making the relationship more of a burden than support,” says Suzanne Degges-White, author of Toxic Friendships.

What is the egg shell person standard?

The doctrine says that a negligent defendant takes the victim as he or she finds the victim–even a victim that is as fragile or delicate as an eggshell. In other words, a defendant may injure someone who is very sturdy, and who heals very quickly.

What is the surprising strength of eggshells?

It is pretty easy to crack an eggshell if you tap it against a hard surface. But if you interlock your fingers and try to squeeze an egg lengthwise to break it, you will find that it can withstand more force than you might expect.

What do weak eggshells mean?

Poor Nutrition – An inadequate diet can lead to poor eggshell formation. This may be a problem such as low calcium intake or could simply be less feed, especially on hot days when hens lose their appetites and may not take in enough nutrition to create sturdy eggs.