watch step

watch (one's) step

1. Literally, to pay attention to where one is walking. Often used as an imperative. Watch your step! All of these cords are a tripping hazard.
2. By extension, to proceed with caution. Watch your step when you meet with the boss—this is a situation you need to finesse. Larry better watch his step around here, or he won't be invited back.
See also: step, watch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

watch one's step

 
1. be careful of one's walking or stepping. It's slippery here. Watch your step.
2. Fig. to act with care and caution so as not to make a mistake or offend someone. John had better watch his step with the new boss. He won't put up with his lateness. Mary was told by the teacher to watch her step and stop missing classes.
See also: step, watch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • watch (one's) step
  • watch one's step
  • watch out
  • be under (one's) feet
  • under (one's) feet
  • under one's feet
  • under somebody's feet
  • under someone's feet
  • under your feet
  • be snappy
References in periodicals archive
With a copy of Locomotive, Building an Eight-Wheeler, you don't have to imagine; you can watch step by step as workmen of the 19th century build an "iron home" from the circular, sparking hooves up.
Locomotive, Building an Eight-Wheeler
"My son had a football presentation on one of the nights but he wanted to come and watch Steps instead.
I try to stay healthy ...I want to see my kids grow up and see them have families too; CLAIRE FROM STEPS VOWS TO KEEP WEIGHT OFF
Sheppard's Watch steps up in class after winning Listed events at Goodwood and Epsom on her last two starts and bypassed the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot to run here.
Yutaka is aiming to put the record straight; Japanese star hopes to put UK disappointments behind him aboard Proudwings
You can watch Steps getting smoochy with the Disney characters Kuzco and Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove.
Simply RED