pussyfoot

From pussy (“feline”) +‎ foot; because of the light and careful tread of cats.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpʊs.iˌfʊt/

• Audio (AU)

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pussyfoot (third-person singular simple present pussyfoots, present participle pussyfooting, simple past and past participle pussyfooted)

1. (intransitive) To move silently, stealthily, or furtively.
2. (intransitive) To act timidly or cautiously.
   • 2004, Jeph Jacques, Fripp and Eno

     — So are you going to practice what you’re preaching and stop pussyfooting around with Faye?

     — Hey, I’m 0 for 1 when it comes to practicing what I preach. These feet stay pussied for the time being.

3. (intransitive) To use euphemistic language or circumlocution.
   • 1946, Tennessee Williams, The Unsatisfactory Supper

     "Then you talk up! And plain! What's there to be so pussyfooting about?"

• pussytoe
• walk on eggshells