tread on (someone's) toes



tread on (someone's) toes

To insult, offend, or upset someone, especially by involving oneself in that which is someone else's responsibility. I want to help Johnny out on his project, but I know he's very proud, and I don't want to tread on his toes in any way. Look, you're going to have to tread on a few peoples' toes if you want to get ahead in this business.
See also: on, toe, tread

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Berenicebər-NEES (English), ber-ə-NEE-see (English), be-re-NEE-che (Italian)English, Italian, Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Daniyyel-Biblical Hebrew
Ubertooo-BER-toItalian
Keysha-African American (Rare)
TerraTER-əEnglish
Sophronius-Late Greek (Latinized)