English Idioms for "Tact"

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

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Behavior & Approach

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

Ex: Hiring an expensive lawyer for a minor traffic violation is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

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

Ex: Many have criticized the government of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds regarding the territorial dispute between the two nations.

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 .

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

Ex: He may have an unconventional approach to problem-solving, but there's often a method to his madness that leads to innovative solutions.

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

Ex: Many workers' rights activists have tended to promote the need to go through legal channels to secure workers' rights.