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Danger - Cautiousness

Discover how English idioms like "walk on eggshells" and "on the lookout for" relate to cautiousness in English.

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English idioms related to Danger
to [throw|cast|fling] caution to the [wind]

to start acting in a risky way without caring about its consequences

Ex: After years of saving, they threw caution to the wind and bought the old farmhouse. 
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eagle eye
eagle eye
[noun]

an observation that is done very carefully

Ex: The contract needs an eagle eye before anyone signs it. 
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easy does it
easy does it
[sentence]

used to advise someone to proceed with caution or be careful with something

Ex: Easy does it; that box is heavier than it looks. 
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to [look] before {sb} [leap]

to consider all the possible outcomes of one's action before doing it

Ex: Look before you leap; quitting your job without a plan is risky. 
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on the lookout for {sb/sth}

constantly paying attention to a person or thing to prevent a problem, danger, etc.

Ex: Be on the lookout for pickpockets in the crowded market. 
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to [play] (it|) safe

to act in a careful manner to prevent any possible risks from happening

Ex: Let's play it safe and leave an hour early. 
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to [keep|have] (all|) {one's} wits about {sb}

to be prepared to handle things properly in case of danger or unpleasant events

Ex: You need to keep your wits about you if the road gets icy. 
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to [walk|be] on eggshells

to be extra cautious about how one behaves or talks to avoid making someone offended or upset

Ex: Since the new manager arrived, everyone has been walking on eggshells around him. 
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to [keep] an eye on {sb/sth}

to closely watch a person or thing, particularly in order to make sure they are safe

Ex: Can you keep an eye on the kids while I make dinner? 
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to [keep] {sb} on {one's} toes

to make a person be constantly worried about or ready for any possible danger or threat

Ex: The constant security alerts kept everyone on their toes. 
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to [tiptoe] around  {sth}

to decide not to deal with a problem directly out of the fear that it may make things worse

Ex: The committee kept tiptoeing around the budget problem instead of fixing it. 
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to [tiptoe] around {sb}

to pay close attention to how to talk to someone or behave toward them because they can become offended or upset easily

Ex: Everyone tiptoes around him because the smallest comment can set him off. 
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to [drop] {sb/sth} like a hot (potato|brick)

to stop being involved with a person or thing that might cause problems for one

Ex: When the scandal broke, the sponsors dropped him like a hot potato. 
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to [kick] the tires

to closely examine or assess the condition of something, particularly a vehicle or machinery

Ex: Before buying the used truck, we kicked the tires and checked the engine. 
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to [hedge] {one's} bets

to support both sides in a competition or conflict in order to protect oneself against loss

Ex: He hedged his bets by donating to both candidates. 
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red flag
red flag
[noun]

a warning sign that something may be wrong

Ex: The missing contact information was a red flag. 
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to [watch] {one's} step

to behave carefully in order to avoid trouble, criticism, or danger

Ex: He had to watch his step after angering the manager. 
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on high alert

extremely watchful and ready for danger or trouble

Ex: The guards were on high alert after the warning. 
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to [let] {one's} guard down

to stop being careful, alert, or protective

Ex: He let his guard down after the meeting seemed friendly. 
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on notice
on notice
[phrase]

used to indicate that someone has been warned or informed about something

Ex: The tenants are on notice that rent will increase next month. 
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