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Hello everyone and welcome to E-com Business Idiom 50,
where we'll go over 50 common idioms used in the business place.
All of the explanations are in English, but don't worry, listen carefully
and try to imagine what the idioms might mean.
It may take a while, but hang in there and try hard.
Is everyone ready? Let's begin.
Today's idiom is: step on someone's toes.
Step on someone's toes.
Alright, let's try to picture you step on someone's toes.
Alright, your foot maybe stomps down on their toes and they get hurt and maybe angry.
Alright, so let's listen to some examples and think about what this idiom might mean.
My supervisor asked me to look over my co-worker's report and make some suggestions.
That sounds like a good idea.
Yes, but I don't want to step on anyone's toes.
Just be honest, but friendly when giving suggestions to your co-worker and hopefully she won't be offended.
Alright, so the boss asked them to look over the report, but they didn't want to offend her or step on her toes.
Alright, let's listen to the next example.
Are you ready for your business trip to China next week?
Yes, but I've been really busy reading the business culture over there.
Ah, yes. There are many different customs and you don't want to step on anyone's toes.
That's right. It's a really great opportunity to make important business contacts and I want it to go smoothly.
Alright, so going to China, you might have some business different cultures
and you don't want to offend someone or step on someone's toes.
Alright, so 'to step on someone's toes' means to offend them by doing something.
Something maybe it bothers them, because of the culture or something you said is a little offensive.
Alright, so it's often a warning, 'Be careful not to step on anyone's toes,' or, 'Don't step on his toes.'
Alright, so maybe if you are careful to learn about the culture and study English,
you won't have to worry about stepping on anyone's toes.
Until next time! Good-bye!