察言观色

察言观色 [chá yán guān sè]

1. ■ examine a man's language and observe his countenance; carefully to weigh up a person's words and closely watch his expression; dive sb.'s thoughts from what he says and the expression on his face; observe sb.'s speech and behavior; take one's cue from sb.'s words and facial expressions; watch a person's every mood; watch a person's expressions and weigh his words carefully; weigh sb.'s words and watch his expression:

我必须察言观色把他防! I shall have to watch my step.