tread softly
Step with care
Tread softly means to move carefully or proceed with caution, whether literally walking quietly or figuratively handling a delicate situation: You'd better tread softly around her today—she's in a mood.
The phrase suggests awareness that careless action might cause harm or offense.
Also *tread lightly*.
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- quiet as a mouseExtremely silent
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- walk on eggshellsAct with excessive caution
- light-footedMoving with minimal impact
feather footed · gentle · light step · quiet · tiptoe · delicate · tentative · handle with care · pad · sidle · circumspect · pussyfoot · creep · easy does it · prudent · mincing · skulk · hushed
approach/manner
tread softlybarge in
Enter abruptly, uninvited
charge ahead · bull in a china shop · rush in · come on strong · throw one's weight around
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