Tiptoe

/ˈtɪptoʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the position of being on one's toes.

He stood on his tiptoes to reach the top shelf.

a way of walking that is quiet and careful.

The cat moved on its tiptoes, careful not to disturb the sleeping dog.

verb

to walk quietly and carefully on one's toes.

She tiptoed across the living room to avoid waking the baby.

to move or behave in a cautious or stealthy manner.

He tiptoed around the issue during the discussion, avoiding any direct confrontation.

Middle English tiptoe, from tip + toe

on tiptoe

walking in a way that makes little noise

tiptoe around

to avoid discussing a sensitive topic directly

tiptoe through the tulips

to move playfully and gently

toe

the small digits of the foot

heel

the back part of the foot

tip

the end or extremity of something

to proceed cautiously in a situation

I had to tiptoe around the topic to avoid a fight.

to sneak away or leave quietly

He decided to tiptoe out of the party early.