Tact: English Vocabulary List

to ignore a situation, topic, issue, etc. so as not to cause troubles or difficulties

"I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not ask questions."

"I wanted to ask about my father ex wife but decided to let sleeping dogs lie."

to simultaneously support two opposing parties, particularly to increase one's gain

"He runs with both teams."

"She tries to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, but both sides eventually discover her true intentions."

to take action in order to prevent a probable failure or defeat

"She saved the day yesterday."

"The new manager saved the situation by quickly resolving the conflict between the two departments before it escalated further."

used when there is good reasoning behind one's seemingly strange or crazy behavior

"He seems disorganised, but there is a method to his madness."

"Her chaotic-looking workflow confused everyone at first, but results proved there was a clear method to her madness."

to be specially careful, gentle, or considerate when dealing with someone or something

"You have to treat her with kid gloves, she is sensitive."

"The fragile antique vase must be treated with kid gloves because it is very valuable and old."

to make good use of the things that are at one's disposal so as to succeed or gain something

"Play your cards right today."

"If you play your cards right during the interview, you will likely get the promotion you have been hoping for."

to be wise enough to avoid certain behaviors or thoughts

"You are old enough to know better."

"You are old enough to know better than to play with matches near the curtains."

to try to achieve the best outcome possible when dealing with a difficult or bad situation

"Let us make the best of a bad bargain."

"The hotel was terrible but we decided to make the best of a bad bargain and still enjoyed our holiday."

to choose a cautious course of action in a situation where there is uncertainty or potential risk

"Always err on the right side."

"When in doubt about the safety of a situation, it is always best to err on the right side and proceed with extreme caution."

used to tell someone to avoid trouble as much as possible

"Do not bid him good morrow."

"It is wise to not bid the devil good morrow until you actually meet with him and understand his intentions."

to follow the accepted or correct path toward reaching one's goal or desired outcome

"You must go through channels to get approval."

"You need to go through the proper channels if you want to complain about the new policy."