Definition
走钢丝 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning literally 'to walk a tightrope' and figuratively 'to tread a fine line' — to handle a risky or delicate situation with great caution. The object 钢丝 can be separated from 走 by aspect markers (了, 过), measure words (次, 回), or duration (了十分钟). For example: 走过一次钢丝 ('walked the tightrope once'). The figurative sense is common in news and business contexts.
v.o.
to walk a tightrope (literal)to tread a fine lineto handle a risky or delicate situation
Examples
- 走钢丝，。Zájì yǎnyuán zài wǔtái shàng zǒu gāng sī, guānzhòng dōu bǐng zhù le hūxī.The acrobat walked the tightrope on stage, and the audience held their breath.
- 走钢丝，，。Tā zài gōngsī gǎigé zhōng zǒu gāng sī, jì yào tígāo xiàolǜ, yòu bù néng dézuì lǎo yuángōng.He is walking a tightrope in the company reform — he needs to improve efficiency without offending senior employees.
- ，。Wǒ zǒu guò yí cì gāng sī, nà gǎnjué tài cìjī le.I walked the tightrope once — it was such a thrilling feeling.
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