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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: Despite her normally cautious nature, she decided to throw caution to the wind and take a spontaneous trip around the world. 
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eagle eye
eagle eye
[noun]

an observation that is done very carefully

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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," the instructor said as the students lowered the heavy crate to the floor. 
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to [look] before {sb} [leap]

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

Ex: His tendency to act without thinking led to many mistakes, so his mother constantly reminded him to "look before you leap." 
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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: The security guards are always on the lookout for unauthorized personnel in the restricted area. 
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to [play] (it|) safe

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

Ex: When hiking in the wilderness, it's essential to play it safe by carrying the necessary survival gear. 
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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: Cycling is potentially very dangerous in the city - you have to have all your wits about you. 
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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: After their argument, they were walking on eggshells around each other, afraid to bring up the topic again. 
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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: The security guard was instructed to keep an eye on the surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of the premises. 
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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: I work with people who are half my age so that keeps me on my 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: They tiptoed around the subject of her poor health. 
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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: It would be humorous if it weren't so sad the way Sarah tiptoes around her wife. 
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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: There is a moment in the film where Sreenivasan drops her like a hot brick for reasons I will not go into. 
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to [kick] the tires

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

Ex: The boss always assigns difficult projects as a way of kicking the tires of new employees. 
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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: She decided to hedge her bets by investing in both stocks and bonds to balance her portfolio. 
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on notice
on notice
[phrase]

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

Ex: She put us on notice that she would not be available for interviews until after the trial. 
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