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
CatrinKAT-rin (Welsh), KAHT-reen (German)Welsh, German
Dionysusdie-ə-NIE-səs (English)Greek Mythology (Latinized)
Aberdeen[æbə'di:n]
Osamuo-sah-mooJapanese
Sewerynse-VE-rinPolish
KylliKUYL-leeFinnish