Tactlessness & Inconsideration Vocabulary Set in Behavior, Attitude, & Approach: Full and Detailed List

The 'Tactlessness & Inconsideration' vocabulary set in 'Behavior, Attitude, & Approach' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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while two dogs are fighting for bone, a third one runs away with it

/waɪl tuː dɔːɡz ɑːr ˈfaɪtɪŋ fɔːr boʊn, ə θɜːrd wʌn rʌnz əˈweɪ wɪð ɪt/

Example:

The two companies were so busy in a legal battle that a smaller competitor took all their clients; while two dogs are fighting for a bone, a third one runs away with it.

burn not your house to fright away the mice

/bɜrn nɑt jɔr haʊs tu fraɪt əˈweɪ ðə maɪs/

Example:

Quitting your job just because of one annoying coworker is like burning not your house to fright away the mice.

in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird

/ɪn veɪn ðə nɛt ɪz sprɛd ɪn ðə saɪt ʌv ˈɛni bɜrd/

Example:

He tried to trick me with a fake contract, but in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; I had already read the fine print.

the mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken

/ðə maʊs ðæt hæz bʌt wʌn hoʊl ɪz ˈkwɪkli ˈteɪkən/

Example:

I'm applying to several jobs because the mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken.

if you run after two hares, you will catch neither

/ɪf ju rʌn ˈæftər tu hɛrz, ju wɪl kætʃ ˈniðər/

Example:

He tried to start two businesses at once, but if you run after two hares, you will catch neither.

the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high

/ðə tʌŋ ɪz bʌt θriː ˈɪntʃɪz lɔːŋ, jet ɪt kæn kɪl ə mæn sɪks fiːt haɪ/

Example:

Be careful with your rumors; remember that the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high.

the tongue is not made of steel, yet it cuts

/ðə tʌŋ ɪz nɑːt meɪd əv stiːl, jet ɪt kʌts/

Example:

Be careful what you say to her; remember that the tongue is not made of steel, yet it cuts.

a joke never gains an enemy, but often loses a friend

/ə dʒoʊk ˈnɛvər ɡeɪnz ən ˈɛnəmi, bʌt ˈɔːfən ˈluːzəz ə frɛnd/

Example:

Be careful with your sarcasm; remember that a joke never gains an enemy, but often loses a friend.

gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary

/dʒɛnˈtɪlɪti wɪˈðaʊt əˈbɪlɪti ɪz wɜrs ðæn pleɪn ˈbɛɡəri/

Example:

He tries to maintain a high-class lifestyle despite having no income, but gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.

it is an ill bird that fouls its own nest

/ɪt ɪz æn ɪl bɜːrd ðæt faʊlz ɪts oʊn nest/

Example:

He keeps criticizing his own company in public; it is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.

the pitcher will go to the well once too often

/ðə ˈpɪtʃər wɪl ɡoʊ tu ðə wɛl wʌns tu ˈɔːfən/

Example:

He has been cheating on his taxes for years, but the pitcher will go to the well once too often.

a cat in gloves catches no mice

/ə kæt ɪn ɡlʌvz ˈkætʃəz noʊ maɪs/

Example:

You need to be more assertive with the contractors; remember, a cat in gloves catches no mice.