exercise extreme caution
/ˈeksəsaɪz ɪkˈstriːm ˈkɔːʃən/
Meaning
To act with immense care, alertness, and prudence in a highly sensitive, risky, or volatile situation. In relationships, it refers to proceeding very carefully to avoid causing conflict, misunderstanding, or emotional harm.
Examples
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When discussing sensitive family finances, you must exercise extreme caution.
When discussing sensitive family finances, you must exercise extreme caution.
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She advised him to exercise extreme caution before confronting his supervisor about the rumor.
She advised him to exercise extreme caution before confronting his supervisor about the rumor.
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One must exercise extreme caution when introducing a new partner to children from a previous marriage.
One must exercise extreme caution when introducing a new partner to children from a previous marriage.
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The therapist warned them to exercise extreme caution when discussing past traumas.
The therapist warned them to exercise extreme caution when discussing past traumas.
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Given the fragile state of their relationship, they decided to exercise extreme caution during the negotiations.
Given the fragile state of their relationship, they decided to exercise extreme caution during the negotiations.
Common Mistakes
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✗ You should make extreme caution when talking to him.
✓ You should exercise extreme caution when talking to him.
The standard verb collocation for 'caution' in formal English is 'exercise', not 'make' or 'do'.
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✗ He exercised an extreme caution during the talk.
✓ He exercised extreme caution during the talk.
'Caution' is an uncountable noun in this context, so it should not be preceded by the indefinite article 'an'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Given how easily offended he is, you need to ___ when bringing up his past.
💡 To act with immense care and alertness.
Show answer
exercise extreme caution
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We must ___ before signing any joint financial agreements.
💡 To proceed with the highest degree of care.
Show answer
exercise extreme caution