Being Tactful: English Vocabulary List

a combination of skills or techniques that can help in achieving one's goals

"The salesman showed us his bag of tricks."

"The experienced negotiator always had a bag of tricks ready to employ during difficult and complex negotiations."

a variety of plans, ideas, etc. that one can use if need arises

"Another string to bow."

"Learning to code is another string to her bow for future career opportunities."

a strategy in which one deliberately refrains from taking any action in order to gain advantage later on

"We are playing the waiting game."

"We are playing the waiting game and must be patient until the other side makes a move."

to take a moment to ponder what one is about to say

"The politician weighed his words carefully."

"The diplomat weighed his words carefully before speaking to the angry crowd."

to achieve two goals at the same time only by taking one action

"I killed two birds with one stone."

"I can kill two birds with one stone by picking up my prescription on the way to visit my mother."

to refrain from making a decision or taking any action until one acquires more data on the situation or how it develops

"See which way cat jumps."

"We will wait and see which way the cat jumps before committing to any investment."

a very friendly and gentle manner that is used to hide one's firm determination or ruthless mindset

"He rules with a velvet glove."

"He rules with a velvet glove and uses charm rather than force to get what he wants."

the influence children have on their parents or caregivers to buy or do something through continuous requests, demands, or persuasion

"Children use pester power."

"The toy company targets parents by understanding the significant pester power that children wield."

to approach situations calmly and diplomatically while also having the strength and power to take action if necessary

"Speak softly but carry strength."

"The diplomat knew how to speak softly and carry a big stick, which helped him negotiate peace without showing any weakness."

an overused method that may still succeed

"That lie is the oldest trick in the book."

"The con man used the oldest trick in the book to steal money from the old lady."

to take a moment to ponder what one is about to say

"Weigh your words carefully."

"Before responding to the sensitive question, she took a moment to carefully weigh her words to avoid causing offense."