Introduction / Context:
“Tread on someone’s toes” is a conversational idiom used in workplaces and social groups. It describes behavior that annoys, offends, or encroaches on someone’s role, rights, or dignity—often by interfering or criticizing where one is not welcome.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The speaker asks why another person wants to “tread on their toes.”
- We must infer a figurative meaning, not a literal physical action.
- Context suggests possible encroachment or offence.
Concept / Approach:
The idiom maps physical stepping on toes (which hurts) to social offense. Thus the plain meaning is “to offend/annoy by encroachment.” Good paraphrases include “to give offence,” “to upset,” or “to interfere in a way that annoys.” Options that imply literal kicking or passive attitudes miss the idiomatic target.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize figurative language: toes → sensitivities/territory.2) Extract core meaning: causing offence by intrusion.3) Select the paraphrase that makes this explicit: “To give offence to them.”4) Ensure other options do not better capture the idiom (they do not).
Verification / Alternative check:
Rephrase the sentence: “Why do you want to offend them or meddle in their area?” This aligns with the chosen answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To follow them grudgingly: Doesn’t imply offence to them.To treat them indifferently: Indifference is not encroachment.To be kicked by them: Literal and unrelated to the idiom.
Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting the phrase literally or confusing it with “step into someone’s shoes,” which means to take over someone’s role legitimately.
Final Answer:
To give offence to them
Discussion & Comments