Definition

Noun: A tightrope that is suspended very high above the ground, typically used by acrobats or performers in a circus.

Usage

The term "high wire" specifically refers to the apparatus itself—the wire or cable stretched high in the air. It is used to describe the dangerous and skilled performance act that takes place on it. * Performers must have exceptional balance to walk the high wire. * The circus act featured a thrilling high wire performance without a safety net.

Advanced Usage

• "high-wire act": This common compound noun extends the meaning to describe the performance itself or, metaphorically, any situation requiring great skill and balance amid high risk or tension.
  • Negotiating the peace deal was a diplomatic high-wire act.

Variants and Related Words

• Tightrope (noun): A rope or wire stretched tightly high above the ground, on which acrobats balance and perform. ("High wire" is a type of tightrope, distinguished by its significant height.)
• High-wire (adjective): Used to describe something related to or characteristic of a high wire.
  • He is a famous high-wire artist.

Synonyms

• Tightrope
• Aerial rope

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To walk a tightrope / high wire": To be in a situation where you must be very careful not to anger or upset people, or to handle a risky situation with great care. (This idiom uses the concept metaphorically.)
  • The manager is walking a high wire trying to keep both clients happy.

Noun

1. a tightrope very high above the ground