A: Ten years after graduation and hired as a professional by a legal firm, John is still paying off big student loans.

    B: He spends heavily on luxury items and doesn’t save money. His personal finances appear to have been a high-wire act much of his adult life.

    Note: “Wire” refers to the tightrope on which an acrobat balances himself. “High” indicates that it’s high up in the air. “Act” refers to the balancing act itself. Balancing on the tightrope is not easy, it is a dangerous task too. Any small misstep may lead to a fall, which means failure for the acrobat even if he doesn’t get hurt. Whenever something is described metaphorically as a high-wire act, it is an act that is difficult and fraught with dangers. Any small mistake may lead to big trouble.