Behavior & Approach - Being Tactful

Explore English idioms that relate to being tactful, including "waiting game" and "kill two birds with one stone".

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English idioms related to Behavior & Approach

a bag of tricks

[phrase]

a combination of skills or techniques that can help in achieving one's goals

Ex: The entrepreneur's bag of tricks included networking, marketing, and a keen sense of market trends.

more string to one's bow

[phrase]

a variety of plans, ideas, etc. that one can use if need arises

Ex: Having a degree in business administration and experience in sales is an extra string to her bow when applying for managerial positions.

waiting game

[noun]

a strategy in which one deliberately refrains from taking any action in order to gain advantage later on

Ex: Investors sometimes have to play the waiting game as they wait for the right market conditions to make profitable trades .

to weigh one's words

[phrase]

to take a moment to ponder what one is about to say

Ex: When discussing a controversial subject with friends, it's wise to weigh your words to avoid unnecessary arguments.

to kill two birds with one stone

[phrase]

to achieve two goals at the same time only by taking one action

Ex: Planning a picnic at the park allowed them to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate their anniversary, killing two birds with one stone.

to see which way the cat jumps

[phrase]

to refrain from making a decision or taking any action until one acquires more data on the situation or how it develops

Ex: Instead of making immediate changes to the project, we should see which way the cat jumps after receiving feedback from stakeholders.

velvet glove

[noun]

a very friendly and gentle manner that is used to hide one's firm determination or ruthless mindset

Ex: The politician 's speech was delivered with a velvet glove, using polite language to criticize his opponents ' policies .

pester power

[noun]

the influence children have on their parents or caregivers to buy or do something through continuous requests, demands, or persuasion

Ex: Parents often find themselves giving in to pester power during trips to the grocery store , as children request sugary snacks or cereals they 've seen advertised .

to [speak] softly (and|but) [carry] a big stick

to speak softly and carry a big stick

[phrase]

to approach situations calmly and diplomatically while also having the strength and power to take action if necessary

Ex: In negotiations, it's important to speak softly and carry a big stick, conveying a desire for compromise while maintaining leverage.

the oldest trick in the book

[phrase]

an overused method that may still succeed

Ex: She didn't fall for his flattery because it was the oldest trick in the book to get what he wanted.

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

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