Meaning: In a risky or precarious situation
Hindi: खतरनाक स्थिति में होना
Synonyms: in danger, at risk, in a precarious position
Asked in: SSC CPO 2024 T-1 · SSC MTS 2023 · SSC CPO 2022 T-1
on thin ice in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
On thin iceAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) In a risky position
The idiom "On thin ice" is used to describe a situation where someone is in a risky or dangerous position, where one wrong decision or action could lead to trouble. It comes from the idea of walking on ice that is not thick enough to support weight, meaning that if you're not careful, the ice might crack and you could fall through.
For example:
• If someone is doing something that could have serious consequences, they might be said to be "on thin ice," indicating that their position is unstable or risky.
In this idiomatic expression, the "thin ice" symbolizes an unstable or fragile situation that could break at any moment. - SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the sentence that uses the given idiom correctly.
Skating on thin iceAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) He was on thin ice after making a controversial statement.
The correct sentence is:
He was on thin ice after making a controversial statement.
Explanation: The idiom "skating on thin ice" means being in a risky or dangerous situation, often due to actions or behavior that could lead to trouble. The sentence "He was on thin ice after making a controversial statement" correctly uses the idiom to indicate that the person was in a risky situation after making a controversial remark. - SSC CPO 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To be on thin iceAnswer & explanation
Answer: A) To be in a risky situation
Answer: 1 – To be in a risky situation
Solution (Correct Option – 1: To be in a risky situation):
The idiom "to be on thin ice" means to be in a dangerous, risky, or uncertain situation where one wrong move can lead to trouble.
It’s commonly used when someone is close to making a mistake or already in a delicate position.
To be on thin ice – to be in a risky or dangerous situation (जोखिम या खतरे की स्थिति में होना)
Why other options are incorrect:
To be in marginalised situation – Means being socially or politically pushed to the edge (हाशिये पर होना), unrelated to risk.
To be in limited scope – Refers to having few options or possibilities (सीमित विकल्प होना), not necessarily risky.
To be i - SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
The company was on thin ice.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) In a precarious or risky situation
Answer: 2
Solution: The idiom "on thin ice" means being in a dangerous, risky, or uncertain situation, where one wrong move could lead to failure or trouble (जोखिमपूर्ण या नाज़ुक स्थिति में होना).
Option 1 – In a situation of comfort ❌: opposite of the actual meaning.
Option 3 – Forcing itself to collaborate ❌: unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
Option 4 – Depending on business competitors ❌: incorrect interpretation.
So, the correct meaning of "on thin ice" is: In a precarious or risky situation.
Examples
- “After missing another deadline, he's on thin ice at work.”
on thin ice – questions
What is the meaning of on thin ice in Hindi?
on thin ice means “खतरनाक स्थिति में होना” in Hindi. In English: In a risky or precarious situation
What are the synonyms of on thin ice?
Synonyms of on thin ice: in danger, at risk, in a precarious position.
Has on thin ice been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – on thin ice has been asked 4 times in SSC exams: SSC CPO 2024 T-1, SSC MTS 2023, SSC CPO 2022 T-1.