Spanish Expression · Advanced
estar en la cuerda floja
to be on thin ice / on the ropes
Pronunciation: es-TÁR en la KWÉR-da FLÓ-ja
Meaning
To be in a precarious or risky situation, often related to job security or a difficult challenge.
Example
Después de tantos errores, su puesto está en la cuerda floja.
After so many mistakes, his job is on thin ice.
Practice tips
- Practice estar en la cuerda floja out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this Spanish expression is for advanced-level learners.