Walk a tightrope

To “walk a tightrope” means to do something that requires extreme care and precision and that allows very little or no error. Public health leaders must “walk a tightrope” of following scientific evidence as it changes, but also maintain confidence in their recommendations to the public. Public health experts have to carefully give public advice to maintain the public’s trust and confidence. Since the company started widespread layoffs, employees have been “walking a tightrope” at work to prove their value and not make mistakes.