What does 'to exercise caution' mean?
It appears as an example for the definition of 'caution' in the Cambridge Dictionary: "We need to proceed with/exercise caution." I understand what 'to proceed with caution' means, but 'to exercise' sounds a little bit strange.

Thank you in advance!

Question

What does 'to exercise caution' mean?
It appears as an example for the definition of 'caution' in the Cambridge Dictionary: "We need to proceed with/exercise caution." I understand what 'to proceed with caution' means, but 'to exercise' sounds a little bit strange.

Thank you in advance!

Answer

It just means to “use” caution.  It is a very common way of expressing the idea “be careful.”

Answer

Hey Bianca,

the word "exercise" can be used in a few other sentences as well. We might say "he/she exercised restraint" "learn to exercise patience" etc. In most cases you can replace it with "use". Exercise is a little more formal but is used often enough in educated conversation that it would sound natural in the right place.   If I were warning a child, I would just say "be careful", a friend or family member "be careful" or "stay safe", but if I were warning my university professor, then I would bring out "exercise caution!"  Hope that helps, J