tread warily

tread warily

To delicately handle or approach a situation in order not to upset or worsen the current circumstances, which may be precarious. Tread warily when you ask Mom whether she's going to the party. She's been acting weird about it. We need to start treading warily when it comes to our diplomacy—we can't afford to alienate any allies.
See also: tread, warily
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tread ˈcarefully, ˈwarily, etc.

be very careful about what you do or say: The government will have to tread very carefully in handling this issue. OPPOSITE: throw caution to the wind(s)
See also: tread
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • carefully
  • tread carefully
  • tread carefully, warily, etc.
  • warily
  • a/one false move
  • false move
  • move
  • in a sticky situation
  • tread lightly
  • tread
References in classic literature
He was a much smaller man than the athlete, and doubtless was conscious that he must tread warily. Gently and without argument he alluded to the advantages of the English style in boxing, and showed himself a firm believer in Western institutions.
But Scotland have had enough hiccups in recent times, none more damaging than the 3-0 hiding they took in Kazakhstan in March, to encourage punters to tread warily.
Punters will tread warily on this tricky eight-race card, when Aidan O'Brien's one-time Epsom Derby hope AMEDEO MODIGLIANI will be the focus of attention in the listed Devoy Stakes.
The new Ross County gaffer loves the Highland town but always felt Victoria Park was a venue to tread warily in as a player.
According to Stuff.co.nz, Vettori, while making great strides in his recovery from a second operation on an Achilles tendon injury, still wants to tread warily for a while yet.
So Wales needs to tread warily over the issue of tax-levying powers.
Everyone should tread warily when it comes to this dangerous issue, and in western democratic states the secular state should be protected, and politics kept distant from religion.
It does not make poetry easier to write or to read, for it is necessary to tread warily on broken ground.
The whole family needed to tread warily on Friday as Tina and her two teenage sons were all born on April Fools' Day, which beat odds of 48 MILLION to 1.
Wracked by guilt from festive over-indulgence you tread warily towards the weighing scales that herald the start of another diet and fitness campaign.
"They also may be looking to get round the new rate of tax, but I would strongly advise them to tread warily because the taxman will not sit idly by and let aggressive arrangements go unchallenged," he added.
While Congress will tread warily while the financial crisis lasts, hoping the elixir works, you can bet it will eventually investigate this brave new Fed world.
The switch of the game to Sunday at 11.30am, the state of the new pitch that forces players to tread warily, and the pressure on Blues contributed to a below-par showing.
A spokesman said: "Stout-hearted souls will tread warily." The event costs pounds 2 per person, including a drink, and runs between 6 and 8pm.
Any of these men will have to tread warily with a China that would not be insulted over wartime memories.