false step

English

Noun

false step (plural false steps)

1. A misstep; a stumble.
   • 1909, John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan, page 61:

     A false step, and once in the water, that would be the end, with no possible chance of escape.

2. (figurative) An erroneous action or decision.

   There have been several false steps made on the campaign trail, none tragic.