tread lightly

[ tred lahyt-lee ]

idiom

1. to act or speak with care and tactfulness in order to avoid words or behavior that could be offensive or upsetting to others:

   There are certain issues we have to tread lightly on if we have any hope of helping these kids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tread lightly¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Speaking at the summit, Sir Keir said the new UK target would be "difficult" but "achievable", and he wanted government to "tread lightly on people's lives".

From BBC

Julie Jackson’s use of reclaimed wood reinforces her commitment to creating sustainable home goods that tread lightly on the environment.

From Los Angeles Times

Tread lightly and leave no trace.

From Seattle Times

While prosecutors pledged to tread lightly when quizzing her about the alleged sexual encounter at a hotel suite in Nevada in 2006, she still proved at times an uncontrollable witness, Judge Juan Merchan told the court.

From BBC

“But you have to play the game. ‘I’m a Black man and I have to tread lightly.’”

From Seattle Times