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Tiptoe is a verb that refers to the act of walking or moving quietly, due to being cautious, sneaky, or wanting to avoid making noise. It involves walking or stepping lightly and delicately on the balls of one's feet, typically with little to no sound. This is achieved by raising the heels off the ground and relying on the front part of the foot or toes for support.
Tiptoeing can be motivated by various reasons, such as trying to not disturb people who are sleeping or working, attempting to keep a secret or surprise, or engaging in stealthy behavior. It is commonly associated with moving in a careful and controlled manner to avoid creating any audible footsteps.
The term "tiptoe" can also be used figuratively to describe behaving or speaking cautiously or discreetly, often to avoid negative consequences. In this sense, it implies approaching a situation or topic with sensitivity, subtlety, and carefulness, much like the physical act of walking on tiptoe. For instance, one might tiptoe around a potentially sensitive conversation or tiptoe through a difficult and delicate task.
In summary, tiptoe is both a physical action of walking lightly and quietly on the balls of the feet, as well as a metaphorical expression for behaving cautiously or executing tasks with care and subtlety.
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The point of the toe: on the tiptoe of expectation, the state of being a wake or alive to anything.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tiptoe" originated from the Middle English term "tipte", which referred to the end or tip of something. This Middle English word has its roots in the Old English word "tēop", meaning the top of something. Over time, the verb "tīptoe" developed, which originally meant to walk on the tips of one's toes. Eventually, this verb transformed into the compound term "tiptoe" that we use today to describe walking quietly and delicately on one's toes.
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PAST CONTINUOUS
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