cautious
Being very careful so that nothing bad or dangerous happens.
Acting carefully to avoid danger, problems, or unnecessary risk.
Not saying or showing what you really think or feel because you want to be safe or avoid a problem.
Reluctant to speak, act, or show feelings openly, in order to avoid commitment, conflict, or giving away information.
Describing a guess or plan that is made smaller or less hopeful on purpose so it is safe and not too high.
Describing an estimate, forecast, or attitude that is deliberately low or restrained in order not to overstate results or chances of success.
- Base: cautious
be cautious about
1act carefully about something
To be very careful about something so that no problem or danger happens.
- You should be cautious about who you add on social media.
- Doctors are cautious about giving this drug to children.
- Be cautious about clicking on links in unknown emails.
be cautious of
1be careful and watchful of
To be careful and not fully trust someone or something because there may be a danger or problem.
- Be cautious of websites that ask for your bank details.
- Residents are cautious of strangers knocking on their doors.
- Travelers should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
overly cautious
1too careful and hesitant
So careful that it may cause problems, for example moving too slowly or missing good chances.
- Some investors say the central bank is being overly cautious.
- He’s so overly cautious that he rarely tries anything new.
- The safety rules seemed overly cautious to many workers.
take a cautious approach
1choose a careful strategy
To decide to act in a slow and careful way, without taking big risks.
- We decided to take a cautious approach to expanding the business.
- The government is taking a cautious approach to reopening schools.
- Teachers should take a cautious approach when using new technology in class.
cautious optimism
1hopeful but still careful
A feeling that things will probably be good, but with some worry, so you do not feel too sure.
- Doctors expressed cautious optimism about her recovery.
- There is cautious optimism that a deal can be reached soon.
cautious optimism
2careful, limited hope
A feeling that things may be good, but with some worry, so you do not feel too sure or too happy yet.
- There is cautious optimism about the peace talks.
- Scientists expressed cautious optimism after the early test results.
- The team’s win created cautious optimism among fans.
err on the side of caution
1choose the safer option
To be more careful than necessary, so that you are safe, instead of taking a risk.
- Let’s err on the side of caution and bring extra supplies.
- When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating new illnesses.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating very young children.
- We decided to err on the side of caution and cancel the event due to the storm.
err on the side of caution
2choose the safer side
To do something in a safer way than necessary because you are not sure and want to avoid any risk.
- When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- The school decided to err on the side of caution and cancel classes during the storm.
- Doctors often err on the side of caution when treating very young children.