false step
A regrettable blunder
A false step is a stumble or misstep while walking—placing a foot wrong.
More often the phrase appears figuratively: a mistake or blunder in judgment, especially one that damages one's position or reputation.
One false step could end his political career.
She made a false step by mentioning the divorce.
Fault in communication
- gaffeClumsy social error
- miscalculationError in estimation
- misjudgmentFaulty evaluation of something
- lapseBrief failure or expiration
oversight · indiscretion · botch · bungle · flub · wrong move · tactical error · miscue
Planned travel somewhere
- slipMinor error or misstep
- fallDescend under gravity
- lose balanceBecome unstable, risk falling
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
wobble · teeter · flounder · skid · slide · unsteady · footing · lurch
Breaking of agreement
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- gaffeClumsy social error
- tabooCultural or social prohibition
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
solecism · gaucherie · indelicacy · offense · embarrassment · awkwardness · tactlessness · inappropriate
error
Fault in communication
- gaffeClumsy social error
- miscalculationError in estimation
- misjudgmentFaulty evaluation of something
lapse · oversight · indiscretion · botch · bungle · flub · wrong move · tactical error · miscue · slip-up
trip
Planned travel somewhere
- slipMinor error or misstep
- fallDescend under gravity
- lose balanceBecome unstable, risk falling
falter · wobble · teeter · flounder · skid · slide · unsteady · footing · lurch · stagger
breach
Breaking of agreement
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- gaffeClumsy social error
- tabooCultural or social prohibition
etiquette · solecism · gaucherie · indelicacy · offense · embarrassment · awkwardness · tactlessness · inappropriate · unseemly