watch one's step
Proceed with caution
To watch one's step is to proceed carefully, whether literally navigating treacherous ground or figuratively avoiding mistakes or offending others.
Watch your step on the icy stairs.
You'd better watch your step around the new boss—she doesn't tolerate sloppiness.
The phrase often carries an implicit warning or threat.
careful
Exercising caution and attention
alert · mindful · circumspect · discreet · heedful · attentive · judicious · deliberate · guarded · tactful
tread
Surface that grips ground
- footingSecure ground position
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- slipperyLacking friction, hard-to-grasp
uneven · icy · stumble · trip · hazard · obstacle · pothole · curb · stairs · ledge
watch one's stepthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
reckless abandon · take chances · live dangerously · let one's guard down · fly by the seat of one's pants
watch one's stepreckless abandon
Complete disregard for consequences
go all out · let loose · run wild · cut loose · damn the torpedoes
watch one's steplet one's guard down
Cease being defensive
turn a blind eye · charge ahead · go through the motions · not give a damn
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