Wafer-thin

Describing something that is extremely thin, almost transparent, or delicate in appearance. The term often implies a fragility or a lack of substance, highlighting the extreme thinness. It can be used literally, to describe the physical dimensions of an object, or figuratively, to describe something that is insubstantial, barely noticeable, or fragile in nature, such as a weak argument or a precarious financial situation. The phrase emphasizes the negligible thickness, often conjuring an image of extreme lightness and the potential for easy breakage or collapse. The 'wafer' comparison alludes to the type of edible wafer which is typically very delicate and prone to shattering.

Wafer-thin meaning with examples

• The antique music box's lid was secured with a wafer-thin sheet of mahogany, its surface still revealing the delicate grain after centuries of use. The wood seemed to be almost translucent in places, highlighting its exceptional thinness and fragility. Handling it felt like touching history, a testament to craftsmanship.
• Spread the frosting on the cake with a wafer-thin layer; any more would overpower the delicate flavour of the sponge. It needed to be a whisper, a gentle kiss of sweetness rather than a heavy coating. The goal was to enhance, not to mask, the inherent deliciousness of the dessert.
• His alibi was wafer-thin, barely holding up to the slightest scrutiny from the detectives during questioning. The inconsistencies and lack of corroborating evidence made it easy to dismiss. The suspect was visibly sweating, betraying his deception.
• The company's profits this quarter were only wafer-thin, teetering on the edge of financial disaster. The small surplus left them with the knowledge that there wasn't much to fall back on, requiring strong decision-making. There's no room for error or setbacks.
• The magician's sleight of hand allowed him to produce a wafer-thin card from seemingly nowhere, its edges almost invisible to the audience. The audience sat stunned as it was a feat of precision, each movement executed with expert speed and precision.