on tiptoe

Idioms  

1. Eagerly anticipating something, as in The children were on tiptoe before the birthday party . [Late 1500s]

2. Moving stealthily, warily, as in They went down the hall on tiptoe . [Mid-1700s] Both usages transfer standing on one's toes to a particular reason for doing so; def. 2 alludes to moving more quietly in this fashion.

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Example Sentences

Entering on tiptoe, he eased the door shut behind him.

From Literature

Still on tiptoe, Jeremy climbed the stairs, the egg twitching and jerking in his hand.

From Literature

Walking on tiptoe, he led Grief outside and clipped his collar to the chain attached to the corner of the garage.

From Literature

Walking on tiptoe, he led Tiamat down the stairs.

From Literature

Mal had to stand on tiptoe and hold on to the windowsill to see.

From Literature