Idioms

wisely

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choose (one's) battles (wisely)

To actively choose not to participate in minor, unimportant, or overly difficult arguments, contests, or confrontations, saving one's strength instead for those that will be of greater importance or in which one has a greater chance of success. As a parent, you learn to choose your battles with your kids so you don't run yourself ragged nagging them. The best politicians choose their battles wisely: if one becomes too embroiled in petty debates, one never gets anything done. The boss is in a bad mood, so choose your battles wisely. Like, don't ask for a day off today.
See also: battle, choose

choose (one's) words wisely

To speak with great care and consideration, especially so as to avoid causing trouble or offense. A: "If you're going to bring up a touchy subject like that with Carol, you'll definitely need to choose your words wisely." B: "I know, she can be so volatile." He'll have to choose his words wisely if he wants to bring up the boss's mistake in the meeting. A: "How am I going to bring up these complaints against my supervisor to the general manager?" B: "Choose your words wisely?" A: "Gee, thanks."
See also: choose, wisely, word

measure (one's) words

To speak with great care and consideration. A: "If you're going to bring up a touchy subject like that with Carol, you'll definitely need to measure your words." B: "I know, she can be so volatile." He measured his words carefully while outlining his complaints against his supervisor to the general manager.
See also: measure, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
The AAD list of 10 recommendations is part of more than 400 tests and procedures now identified in the Choosing Wisely campaign, Dr.
Our goal is to ensure that every facility uses appropriate dose reduction techniques when performing fluoroscopic procedures, said Donald Peck, PhD, American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) representative to Image Wisely. The new Image Wisely webpage is a one-stop location to find advice and links to credible resources to help facilities reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to the patient due to excess radiation and improper technique.
The Choosing Wisely program asks health organizations to pick five areas to target and create a list of medical tests they feel are overused or inappropriate.
The Choose Wisely campaign means the hotels' restaurants will create special sustainable fish dishes using sustainable-listed local fish as defined by the Choose Wisely consumer guide.
It's a pity there aren't any TV programmes on how to budget wisely.
At the same time you have to invest opportunity wisely," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.
Gary Wisely of Glenvara Park, Firhouse, South Dublin, died after he was stabbed three times in the chest at the home of a friend, Graham Greene, in the early hours of April 10, 2006.
EWOOD PARK BLACKBURN v A VILLA BLACKBURN manager Sam Allardyce has welcomed news of the club's takeover, but accepts he will have to spend wisely.
Yorkshire Water has launched The Green Classroom to teach children about the water cycle and how to use water wisely.
As part of Mesa, Ariz.'s Water-Use It Wisely campaign, the city's Red Mountain Library featured a 16-foot-tall, 136-gallon water jug pyramid during the month of June.
RANGERS chief executive Martin Bain is confident manager Walter Smith will rebuild "wisely" ahead of the new season after being given the green light to buy players for the first time in almost two years.
"The Lebanese are trustworthy and capable of facing future challenges wisely, with a good sense and strong will," Assiri said following a meeting with former Speaker Hussein al-Husseini at the latter's residence in the Beirut neighborhood of Ain al-Tineh.
With advice on evaluating one's status, realizing what can be done, and how to choose wisely and execute wisely, "Big Leadership Ideas" is a must for those who want to think big, but what to avoid being delusional.
The heavy going and gale-force wind ruled out long passes and the Ravens wisely opted for close quarters, particularly in the first half playing into the gale.
SO, ARE YOU A TIME-WASTER OR DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY?
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