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high-wire act

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high-wire act

An especially risky or treacherous job, plan, action, or operation. Alludes to an aerialist performance on a tightrope. Because of the nation's deeply divided political beliefs, creating a tax reform deal that everyone is happy with has been a high-wire act for the president.

See also: act

high-wire act

A risky job or operation, as in The university press is not allowed to either make or lose money-that's a high-wire act . This expression alludes to the aerialist performing on a tightrope stretched high above the ground. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

See also: act

high-wire act

Slang

A risky job or operation.

See also: act