a/one false move

a/one false move

An action that threatens to worsen an already precarious situation. We didn't call the police because the robber said he'd hurt anyone who made a false move. If we make one false move now, we're liable to lose the house we're bidding on.
See also: false, move, one
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

false move

 and one false move
Fig. [even] a single movement that indicates that one is disobeying an order to remain still or in a nonthreatening posture. The robber threatened to shoot us if we made one false move.
See also: false, move

move (from some place) (to some place)

to travel from one place to another. The whole family moved from Denver to Chicago. We moved to the country.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

(make) a/one false ˈmove

(informal) in an already dangerous or risky situation, something which makes your position even more dangerous: She’s in a difficult financial situation, and if she makes a false move now she could lose everything. ‘One false move and you’re dead,’ he shouted at the bank clerk.
See also: false, move, one
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • false move
  • move
  • tread carefully
  • tread carefully, warily, etc.
  • carefully
  • warily
  • tread warily
  • in a sticky situation
  • juggle
  • a juggling act