World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesStep on someone's toes
/stɛp ɒn ˈsʌm.wʌnz toʊz/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To unintentionally or intentionally offend, upset, or insult someone, especially by encroaching on their territory, duties, or privileges.
"As a new manager, I want to make sure I don't step on anyone's toes while reorganizing the department." - 2
To interfere in a matter that is someone else's responsibility or domain.
"Please stick to your own assignment and try not to step on the design team's toes."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the literal physical action of accidentally stepping on someone's foot during close-quarters movement or dancing. By the late 19th century, the phrase evolved metaphorically in English to describe intruding upon another person's area of responsibility, authority, or sensitivity.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Step on someone's toes"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Step on someone's toes" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
marcher sur les pieds de quelqu'un
Transliteration: mar-shay syoor lay pyay duh kel-kahn
"Je ne veux pas marcher sur les pieds de mes collègues avec ce projet."
jemandem auf die Füße treten
Transliteration: ye-man-dem ouf dee fyoo-suh tre-ten
"Ich möchte niemandem auf die Füße treten, aber diese Entscheidung ist notwendig."
pestare i piedi a qualcuno
Transliteration: pes-ta-re ee pye-di a kwal-ku-no
"Sto attento a non pestare i piedi a nessuno nel nuovo ufficio."
pisar los callos a alguien
Transliteration: pi-sar los ka-yos a al-gyen
"El nuevo director prefiere no pisar los callos al personal antiguo."
pisar os calcanhares de alguém
Transliteration: pi-zar oz kal-ka-nya-res de al-gaym
"Tentei fazer meu trabalho sem pisar nos calcanhares de ninguém."
किसी के काम में टांग अड़ाना
Transliteration: kisi ke kaam mein taang adaana
"मैं किसी के काम में टांग नहीं अड़ाना चाहता।"
惹恼
Transliteration: rě nǎo
"我不小心越权了，惹恼了几位资深同事。"
비위를 밟다
Transliteration: bi-wi-reul bap-da
"상사의 비위를 밟지 않도록 조심해야 합니다."
人の機嫌を損ねる
Transliteration: hito no kigen o sonneru
"同僚の領域に踏み込んで人の機嫌を損ねないようにしてください。"
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A protective covering for a blade or other sharp object.
Feeling uncertain about something; not convinced.
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