1 B1 neutral
to put your foot on something accidentally or deliberately
"Be careful not to tread on the wet paint."
inseparable
tread on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
to step on something, or to offend someone by treating them insensitively
In plain English
put your foot on something, or hurt someone's feelings
What does "tread on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to offend someone or interfere with their role, rights, or feelings
"I don't want to tread on anyone's toes by changing the plan."
inseparable
Usage tip
Literal sense is common; figurative sense often appears in phrases like 'tread on someone's toes'.
Words that pair with "tread on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
foot glass toes flowers rights feelings
How to conjugate "tread on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tread on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
treads on
he/she/it
Past simple
treaded on
yesterday
Past participle
treaded on
have + pp
-ing form
treading on
continuous
Hear "tread on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tread on"
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