tread on (someone's) toes

tread on (someone's) toes

To insult, offend, or upset someone, especially by involving oneself in that which is someone else's responsibility. I want to help Johnny out on his project, but I know he's very proud, and I don't want to tread on his toes in any way. Look, you're going to have to tread on a few peoples' toes if you want to get ahead in this business.

See also: on, toe, tread

ˌtread on somebody’s ˈtoes

(especially British English) (American English usually ˌstep on somebody’s ˈtoes) (informal) offend or annoy somebody, especially by getting involved in something that is their responsibility: Now that we have proper job descriptions we are less likely to tread on each other’s toes.

See also: on, toe, tread