rope-walking

A circus performer practices rope-walking high above the ground.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of performing on a tightrope: "rope-walking" refers to the skill or practice of walking, balancing, or performing acrobatics on a tightly stretched rope or wire, typically as a form of circus entertainment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Rope-walking requires immense balance and concentration. (The act of balancing on a tightrope demands great skill.)
  • The circus featured a thrilling display of rope-walking. (A performance involving walking on a tightrope was shown.)

Advanced Usage

• "rope-walking" as a compound noun: It is often used in contexts describing circus arts or physical feats of balance.
  • She has been training in rope-walking since childhood. (She has practiced tightrope walking for many years.)
  • The art of rope-walking dates back to ancient times. (The performance skill has a long history.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rope-walker (n): a person who performs rope-walking.

  • The rope-walker amazed the audience with his daring stunts. (The tightrope performer impressed onlookers.)

• Tightrope-walking (n): a synonym for rope-walking, often used interchangeably.

  • Tightrope-walking is a core act in many circuses. (The same skill is called by this alternate name.)

Synonyms

• Tightrope walking: the act of walking on a taut rope.
• Funambulism: a formal term for the art of walking on a rope or wire.

Related Idioms

• Walk a tightrope: to be in a situation where one must balance between two opposing or risky options.
  • In negotiations, he had to walk a tightrope between the two parties. (He had to manage a delicate balance.)