tiptoe around
Skirt the issue
To tiptoe around something is to avoid addressing it directly, treating a subject with excessive caution: Everyone tiptoes around the issue of his drinking.
The image is of moving quietly to avoid disturbing someone or something.
You tiptoe around a sensitive topic, a difficult person, or an uncomfortable truth.
She's tired of tiptoeing around her boss's moods.
Evade by moving aside
- skirtWaist-hung lower garment
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- evadeEscape by cunning
- eludeSkillfully avoid capture
circumvent · bypass · steer clear · duck · talk around · gloss over · soft-pedal · hedge
Socially sensitive and careful
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
- diplomaticTactful and sensitive
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
sensitive · careful · gentle · circumspect · prudent · measured · guarded · nonconfrontational
sidestep
Evade by moving aside
elude · circumvent · bypass · steer clear · duck · talk around · gloss over · soft-pedal · hedge · pussyfoot
tactful
Socially sensitive and careful
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
- diplomaticTactful and sensitive
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
cautious · sensitive · careful · gentle · circumspect · prudent · measured · guarded · nonconfrontational · deferential
tiptoe aroundconfront
Face squarely, address directly
speak plainly · lay it on the line · call a spade a spade · cut to the chase · not mince words
tiptoe aroundconfront
Face squarely, address directly
be bold · dive in · stand one's ground · take the bull by the horns · wade in
tiptoe, tipped, tipping, toed, toeing, tiptoes, tiptoed, tiptoeing