Walk on egg shells

Question

Is there an equivalent expression in Spanish to "walking on egg shells"?

For example: Do I have to walk on egg shells when I am around you?

Good question...welcome to the forum. - --Mariana--, Mar 4, 2012

Answer 1

Where I live, we use "Andar con pies de plomo":

"Siempre tenemos que andar con pies de plomo con él. ¡Nunca sabemos cómo va a reaccionar!"

Answer 2

Where I live, we use "Andar con pies de plomo":

They use this expression here in Guatemala as well.

However, I think that Figueroa's example of «andar en puntillas» makes so much more sense!

Answer 3

Mariana and Cordobesa: Isn't it really interesting how "walking on eggshells," which implies that you have to be 'light of feet' in order not to break those eggshells, is translated as "andar con pies de plomo"? I mean, wouldn't feet made of lead totally crush those eggshells? :- ) Language is fascinating!

¡Sí que es curioso, Figueroa, qué dos maneras más diferentes para decir lo mismo! :) - Cordobesa, Mar 4, 2012

Answer 4

There might be different expressions in different Spanish-speaking countries, but I am familiar wIth «andar en puntillas» y «estar/andar con paños tibios».