Phrase guide

tread lightly

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He's in a bad mood today, so you might want to tread lightly if you talk to him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: tread carefully

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Persian: کج دار و مریز (kaj dâr o mariz) — to proceed carefully, especially avoiding offense
  • Portuguese: pisar menos — to proceed carefully, especially avoiding offense