To be extremely cautious and vigilant, as if standing on the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice; to act with great circumspection due to a precarious situation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Empress Ma, wife of Emperor Ming, was known for her kindness and deep understanding of propriety. She held a strong affection for Liu Da, who was born to Consort Jia.
When Liu Da ascended the throne as Emperor Zhang of Han, he honored Empress Ma as the Empress Dowager. Out of respect and gratitude, Emperor Zhang repeatedly suggested bestowing noble titles upon Empress Ma's brothers. However, Empress Ma consistently declined these offers, fearing that it would lead to their undue arrogance and potential harm.
Despite her wisdom, her nephew, Ma Yu, harbored resentment, complaining about not receiving greater favors and wealth. Witnessing this, Yang Zhong, a respected official, gravely advised Ma Liao, Empress Ma's brother and Ma Yu's father, to act with extreme caution, as if 'approaching an abyss and treading on thin ice,' and warned him against indulging his son's greed, reminding him of the precarious position their family held.