step on someone's toes
Invade another's domain
To step on someone's toes is to encroach on their responsibilities or offend them by overstepping boundaries: I didn't mean to step on your toes by talking to your client directly.
The image is of literally treading on someone's feet—an invasion of personal space that causes discomfort.
Often appears as step on toes without the possessive.
- overstepExceed proper limits
- cross the lineExceed acceptable boundaries
- micromanageExcessive oversight of subordinates
- encroachAdvance beyond proper limits
- usurpSeize without right
power struggle · resentment · bruised ego · hurt feelings · undermine · overrule · trespass · offend · transgress · annoyance · intrude · butt in · meddle · violate · antagonize · step out of line · interfere · turf
interpersonal boundary respect
step on someone's toesstay in one's lane
Stick to your expertise
mind one's own business · keep one's distance · tread carefully · know one's place · back off