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Meaning of step on someone’s toes in English. step on someone’s toes. idiom. Add to word list. to upset someone, esp. by getting involved in something that is that person’s responsibility: It’s a very competitive business – you can’t afford to step on too many toes.
- What Does Step on Your Toes Mean?
- Origin of Stepping on Someone’S Toes
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Imagine that you are a guest at a friend’s home. Your friend is cooking dinner for you. Imagine that this friend is very particular about his kitchen, and doesn’t like anyone else to cook. However, you see that he hasn’t added enough salt to his soup. You decide to help out, so you enter his kitchen and put a pinch of salt into the pot. While doing...
The exact origin of the phrase isn’t known, but early sources of it are seen in the mid-1800s. One such early citation is in Anthony Trollope’s 1866 The Belton Estate: 1. But you mustn’t offer my father.—I won’t tread on his toes. Tread here has the same meaning as step.
Here is an example of two family members using the expression while at home. Grandmother: Listen, your mother asked me not to talk to you about this, but I must do it anyway. You seem depressed. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. Granddaughter: Why didn’t Mom want you to talk to me about that? Grandmother: Well, she told me that she w...
This excerpt is from an article about painting rappers in the style of portraits of English nobility. 1. “I didn’t want to step on his toes, but I guess part of me felt it was still OK. … My style of painting was based off 1700s paintings of how aristocracy was represented here [in the United Kingdom], and it’s quite a niche thing to represent grim...
The idiom to step on someone’s toes means to anger or offend someone by encroaching on their duties or other matters.
The meaning of STEP ON (SOMEONE'S) TOES is to do something that upsets or offends (someone). How to use step on (someone's) toes in a sentence.
Hurt or offend someone. For example, Be careful what you say about her losing weight; don't step on her toes, or Would I be stepping on someone's toes if I asked to help out with the party arrangements? This metaphoric idiom transfers physical to emotional pain. [Late 1300s] See also: on, step, toe.
1. Lit. to step down onto someone's toes, causing pain. Please don't step on my toes as you walk by. 2. Fig. to offend or insult someone, as if causing physical pain. You're sure I won't be stepping on her toes if I talk directly to her supervisor? I didn't mean to tread on your toes. See also: on, step, toe.
The idiom “step on someone’s toes” is a common expression used in English to describe accidentally offending or upsetting someone. It is often used when one person unintentionally interferes with another person’s plans or actions, causing them to feel slighted or disrespected.
What does the saying 'Step on someone's toes' mean? Idiom: Step on someone's toes. Meaning: If you step on someone's toes, you upset them, especially if you do something that they should be in charge of. Country: International English | Subject Area: Body and bodily functions | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Niranjan Bande.
