on shaky ground
idiom
: weak and likely to break down, collapse, or fail : not strong or well supported
Their marriage is on shaky ground.
His argument/theory rests on shaky ground.
Examples of on shaky ground in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The cease-fire seemingly remains on shaky ground, as Israel pushes for the remainder of bodies belonging to the deceased hostages to be returned home.
—
Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
For many Americans in outlying communities, care access is on shaky ground.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The shuttering of national sites, parks and federally run lands has disrupted thousands of Americans’ weekend plans and vacations – and put several popular October races on shaky ground.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Ciarlo was brought up for special teams purposes only, but now that Williams is likely back, his hold on a 53-man roster spot is on shaky ground.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on shaky ground
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
For many Americans in outlying communities, care access is on shaky ground.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The shuttering of national sites, parks and federally run lands has disrupted thousands of Americans’ weekend plans and vacations – and put several popular October races on shaky ground.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Ciarlo was brought up for special teams purposes only, but now that Williams is likely back, his hold on a 53-man roster spot is on shaky ground.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on shaky ground
Cite this Entry
“On shaky ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20shaky%20ground. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share