Behavior & Approach - Tact

Master English idioms regarding tact, like "let sleeping dogs lie" and "go through channels".

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to [let] sleeping dogs lie [phrase]

to ignore a situation, topic, issue, etc. so as not to cause troubles or difficulties

Ex:

to [run] with the hare and [hunt] with the hounds [phrase]

to simultaneously support two opposing parties, particularly to increase one's gain

Ex:

to [save] the (day|situation) [phrase]

to take action in order to prevent a probable failure or defeat

Ex: The team seemed to be heading for disaster until a late goal saved the day .

there is a method to {one's} madness [sentence]

used when there is good reasoning behind one's seemingly strange or crazy behavior

Ex:

to [treat|handle] {sb/sth} with kid gloves [phrase]

to be specially careful, gentle, or considerate when dealing with someone or something

Ex: She handles her young daughter with kid gloves to avoid upsetting her .

to [play] {one's} cards right [phrase]

to make good use of the things that are at one's disposal so as to succeed or gain something

Ex: what Jamie just did back there can not be called luck , it 's called playing your cards right .

to [know] better [phrase]

to be wise enough to avoid certain behaviors or thoughts

Ex: Even though he was tempted to skip studying for the test , he knew better and chose to prepare diligently .

to [make] the best of a bad bargain [phrase]

to try to achieve the best outcome possible when dealing with a difficult or bad situation

Ex: After the car broke down during the road trip , they had to make the best of a bad bargain by exploring the small town while waiting for repairs .

to [err] on the right side [phrase]

to choose a cautious course of action in a situation where there is uncertainty or potential risk

Ex: The manager chose to err on the right side by granting the employee a day off to take care of a family emergency .

to {not} [bid] the devil good morrow (until|till) {sb} (actually|) [meet] (with|) him [phrase]

used to tell someone to avoid trouble as much as possible

Ex:

to [go] through channels [phrase]

to follow the accepted or correct path toward reaching one's goal or desired outcome

Ex:

Behavior & Approach
Foresight & Prudence	Overreaction	Tact	Being Tactful
Improvisation & Compromise	Behaving Politely	Lack of Care or Consideration	Without Care or Thought
Reacting or Demanding	Conversational Responses	Showing Surprise	Paying or Getting Attention
Not Paying Attention	Offensive Behavior	Reaction & Response	Jealousy & Competition
Harsh & Strict Treatment