step on toes
Cause unintended offense
To step on someone's toes is to offend or encroach on their territory, especially by interfering in matters they consider their responsibility: I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but this process needs to change.
The image is of literally treading on someone's feet—an invasion of personal space that causes discomfort.
Often appears as step on toes or tread on toes.
- offendCause hurt feelings
- overstepExceed proper limits
- intrudeEnter uninvited
- personal spaceComfort distance around oneself
- boundaryLine marking a limit
hurt feelings · sensitive · sore spot · bruise · bruised ego · ego · territory · encroach · feelings · rub the wrong way · insult · slight · social faux pas · delicate · trespass · ruffle feathers · cross the line · awkward
- making troublemake waves, stir the pot, raise Cain, kick up a fuss, upset the apple cart
- danceballet, breaking, folk dances, b-boying, folk dance
- meddlingmeddle, meddler, butt in, horn in, intrude
step on toesstay in one's lane
Stick to your expertise
mind one's own business · know one's place · keep one's distance · tread carefully · walk on eggshells
step on toeskeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
make nice · build bridges · pour oil on troubled waters · mend fences · play well with others
step on toesdefer
Delay or submit
yield · accommodate · stand back · hold back · bite one's tongue
step, steps, stepped, stepping, stepper, steppers, toe, toes, toed