tread lightly
idiom
: to proceed carefully
If you're thinking about asking for a raise, I advise you to tread lightly.
Examples of tread lightly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Now tread lightly on the pedal.
—
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
All travelers are reminded to prioritize putting their dollars towards small and independent businesses, as well as following the Leave No Trace principle to tread lightly and lessen their impact.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Preservation advocates, therefore, argue that any retrofit must tread lightly, honoring the building’s character and meaning.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Nov. 2025
Matters can reach a fever pitch on the 17th, so tread lightly and don't let conversations get too out of control.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tread lightly
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Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
All travelers are reminded to prioritize putting their dollars towards small and independent businesses, as well as following the Leave No Trace principle to tread lightly and lessen their impact.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Preservation advocates, therefore, argue that any retrofit must tread lightly, honoring the building’s character and meaning.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Nov. 2025
Matters can reach a fever pitch on the 17th, so tread lightly and don't let conversations get too out of control.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tread lightly
Cite this Entry
“Tread lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tread%20lightly. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
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