On tiptoe Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɪpˌtoʊ
AHN TIP-toh
ˈɒn/ /tˈɪptəʊ
ON TIP-toh
Definition
Standing or walking with only the front part of your feet (the toes) touching the ground, usually to move quietly or to be taller.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used after verbs like 'walk', 'stand', or 'creep'. Often singular: 'on tiptoe' or plural: 'on tiptoes', both are correct. Implies careful, quiet movement, or stretching to reach something. Not literal for running or jumping.
Spanish: de puntillasPortuguese (BR): na ponta dos pésPortuguese (PT): em bicos de pésChinese (Simplified): 踮起脚尖Chinese (Traditional): 踮起腳尖Hindi: पंजों के बलArabic: على رؤوس الأصابعBengali: ভরাট আঙুলের ডগায়Russian: на цыпочкахJapanese: つま先立ちでVietnamese: đi nhón chânKorean: 발끝으로Turkish: parmak ucundaUrdu: پاؤں کی انگلیوں کے بلIndonesian: berjinjit
Example Sentences
The girl stood on tiptoe to reach the cookie jar.
basic
He walked on tiptoe so he wouldn't wake the baby.
basic
I had to stand on tiptoe to see over the wall.
basic
She crept on tiptoe into the room so nobody would notice her.
natural
Kids always walk on tiptoe when they're trying to sneak a snack.
natural
We had to move on tiptoe to avoid making any noise at midnight.
natural