What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it?

The phrase "so delicate that saying its name breaks it" refers to a mythical or metaphorical creature or object. There's no single, universally agreed-upon entity it describes. The power of the phrase lies in its evocative nature. It suggests something:

• Extremely fragile: The inherent fragility goes beyond simple physical weakness; it suggests a vulnerability to even the smallest disturbance, including the act of speaking its name. This could be a literal fragility or a metaphorical one, like a fragile peace or a delicate secret.

• Mysterious and powerful: The very act of prohibition adds to its mystique. The unspoken name creates an air of mystery and importance. The power lies not in what it is, but in what it represents.

• Potentially dangerous: The breaking of the name might not simply be the destruction of the thing itself, but could unleash something dangerous or negative. This adds a layer of caution and fear.

Think of it like a taboo subject, a sacred object, a magical being, or a particularly sensitive emotional state. The concept itself is more significant than any specific example. It's a literary device used to emphasize the extreme delicacy and the potential consequences of interfering with it.