A2Informal

Auf den Schlips treten

To offend someone; to step on someone's toes

In German

Auf den Schlips treten

aʊ̯f deːn ʃlɪps ˈtʁeːtn̩

Literal Translation

To step on the tie

Meaning

To offend someone; to step on someone's toes

Equivalent:"To step on someone's toes; to offend someone"

Origin:The tie (Schlips) as a symbol of dignity and status. Stepping on it implies a disrespect or an insult to one's honor.

Example Sentences

1
Sei vorsichtig mit deinen Worten, du könntest ihm auf den Schlips treten.
Be careful with your words, you might step on his toes.
2
Er ist sehr empfindlich, man tritt ihm leicht auf den Schlips.
He is very sensitive, it's easy to step on his toes.

FAQ

How do you say "To offend someone; to step on someone's toes" in German?

"To offend someone; to step on someone's toes" in German is "Auf den Schlips treten" (aʊ̯f deːn ʃlɪps ˈtʁeːtn̩). Example: Sei vorsichtig mit deinen Worten, du könntest ihm auf den Schlips treten..

To stand up to someone; to defy someone

Jemandem die Stirn bieten

ˈjeːmandəm diː ʃtɪʁn ˈbiːtn̩

To skip work or school, to take a day off without permission

Blau machen

blau ma-khen

To sweep something under the rug, to hide or ignore a problem

Etwas unter den Teppich kehren

ET-vas UN-ter den TEP-pich KEY-ren

To be the fifth wheel; to be superfluous

Das fünfte Rad am Wagen sein

das ˈfʏnftə ʁaːt am ˈvaːɡn̩ zaɪ̯n