high-wire
UK[ˈhaɪˌwaɪə]US[ˈhaɪˌwaɪər]
n
a tightly stretched wire or cable high above the ground, on which acrobats perform.
adj
involving a high degree of risk, tension, or difficulty.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
wire
high
elevated
wire
metal thread
Etymology
The compound "high-wire" is a transparent Modern English formation, directly combining two native Germanic elements. The first element, "high," derives from the Old English hēah, a concept fundamental to spatial description. The second, "wire," originates from Old English wīr, referring to drawn metal. The term literally describes a wire positioned at a significant height. Its primary concrete meaning, referring to the apparatus for aerial acrobatics, emerged in the 19th century with the popularization of circus acts. By metaphorical extension, the inherent danger and precarious balance required in such performances gave rise to the modern abstract sense, describing any situation involving great risk or tension.
Analysis
Structure: high (elevated) + wire (metal thread)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective describing great vertical extent.
- wire: From Old English wīr, meaning metal drawn out into a thread. Functions as a noun denoting the specific object.
Examples
The acrobat performed breathtaking stunts on the high-wire without a safety net.
The company's high-wire act of expanding during an economic downturn paid off handsomely.
Negotiating the peace treaty was a diplomatic high-wire walk for all parties involved.