- A formal or semi-formal instruction to continue with an action or process, but to do so carefully, slowly, and with awareness of potential risks or difficulties.
Explanation
Origin
- A standard phrase using formal vocabulary (proceed meaning go forward, caution meaning care/wariness).
- Commonly found in official instructions, warnings (e.g., road signs, manuals), and formal advice.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Take it easy. (Go slow, be careful)
- Easy does it. (Handle carefully)
- Don't rush it.
- Don't fuck it up. (Vulgar; emphasizes risk of error and need for care)
Milder/Standard:
- Be careful.
- Go slowly and carefully.
- Please exercise care.
Situational Appropriateness
- Semi-formal to formal contexts.
- Common in professional settings, official instructions, medical advice, and safety warnings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear due to its formal nature. Ensure the listener understands it means continue, but be careful, not stop.
Examples
- The experimental phase is complete. You may proceed with caution into implementation.
- (Road sign): Road work ahead. Proceed with caution.
- We don't have all the data yet, so let's proceed with caution on this decision.
Dialogue
Doctor: The initial tests show some improvement, but there are still some underlying concerns.
Patient: So, can I resume light exercise?
Doctor: Yes, but proceed with caution. Stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort, and report back to me.
Patient: Understood. Thank you, doctor.
Social Media Examples
- Official agency tweet: Flood waters are receding in some areas, but hazards remain. If you must travel, proceed with caution. #flooding #safetyalert
- Tech forum moderator post: A beta version of the software is available for testing. Users may install it, but please proceed with caution and back up your data first. #beta #testing
Response Patterns
- Understood.
- Okay, we will.
- Right, noted.
- A simple nod of acknowledgment.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The listener acknowledges the instruction and adjusts their behavior to be more careful and observant.
- They might ask for specifics about the risks: What specific dangers should we be aware of?
Conversation Starter
- No. An instruction given during an ongoing action or before starting a potentially risky phase.
Intonation
- Often delivered in a measured, serious, and deliberate tone.
- Stress usually falls on Proceed and caution.
- Example: Proceed with caution.
Generation Differences
- Standard formal language, understood and used across generations in appropriate contexts.
Regional Variations
- Standard formal English, used globally.