tread lightly

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tread lightly

1. To walk carefully, so as not to disturb what is underfoot or nearby. This is rare alpine vegetation, so tread lightly. Tread lightly so you don't wake up the baby.
2. To be extra tactful in one's dealing with someone so as not to offend or aggravate. The boss is really irritable today, so if you have bad news for him, tread lightly. Tread lightly if you ask Mrs. Smith for extra credit—she usually gets annoyed with those requests.
See also: lightly, tread
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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References in classic literature ?
The next thought that occurred to him was one that made him slip off his shoes and tread lightly upstairs, to listen at the bedroom doors.
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One group, Tread Lightly, is trying to educate shooters on appropriate behavior rather than trying to reopen land that's been closed, which it acknowledges is difficult.
Open Range: WHILE MOST PUBLIC LANDS ARE OPEN TO RECREATIONAL SHOOTING, BAD BEHAVIOR INCREASINGLY LEADS TO CLOSURES
SHARON LIPTROTT Reduce, reuse and recycle will be the main message of this year's Dumfries and Galloway Environment Fair as families are encouraged to "tread lightly on the earth".
Environment fair fun for all the family
In a group media interview earlier this week, Dr Mahathir had also admitted that PH still must tread lightly when it comes to ethnic and religious issues despite already being in power for a year.
'Enough', stop manipulating Malay-Muslim issues for political gain, Dr M tells Umno, PAS
He says the board needs to beware of being too confident in positive economic reports and must acknowledge there are empty stores and that other issues require the village to tread lightly.
West Dundee: Yuscka, Price, Kembitzky
We who revere most their pristine landscape and terrain must tread lightly to avoid disfigurement in the name of commercialisation and tourist comforts," Sidhu stated in the letter.
Sidhu suggests measures to 'preserve sanctity of Kartarpur Sahib' in letter to PM Modi, Imran Khan
"With teenage kids you've got to tread lightly," she says.
Step by step
The government needs to keep its political will and tread lightly.
A Daunting Task
Mahon said: "My character is not one to tread lightly and his arrival to the Square will cause shockwaves for many of the residents ...
Mel's ex to cause ripples in Walford
<B Brothers Lynne and Gwyndaf Rees 'tread lightly on the earth' as they farm at Gernos Fach in the Preseli Hills
Pair capture life during year in their home county; FEATURE A new book written by Jamie Owen, one of Wales' bestknown journalists, celebrates his emotional attachment to Pembrokeshire. Jamie and photographer David Wilson spent a year capturing the sometimes hidden landscapes, people and sea of their native county. Amanda Powell has been talking to them
I vow to tread lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully.
Tread Lightly in Palau
uneven lately," Katz said, to which Claire replied, "Come now, let's not tread lightly for the camera's sake.
Claire Underwood On Inheriting Her Husband's 'Mess' In 'House Of Cards'
Everton are keen to tread lightly with Coleman, the 29-year-old having been left out of the team thrashed 5-1 at Arsenal last weekend.
How Everton's Seamus Coleman is set to become the new Alan Ball; Blues defender could reach significant landmark against Crystal Palace today
She needs to tread lightly and remember she gets one life, not nine.
The Persian Always Meows Twice
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