discretion

Universal Words noun [U] 1 the freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation: I'll leave it up to you to use your discretion. * How much to tell terminally ill patients is left to the discretion of the doctor. 2 care in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb; the quality of being DISCREET: This is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion. * Jane is the soul of discretion (= you can trust her). * Use the utmost discretion when you talk to her. compareINDISCRETION IDIOMS at sb's discretion according to what sb decides or wishes to do: Bail is granted at the discretion of the court. * There is no service charge and tipping is at your discretion. discretion is the better part of valour (saying) you should avoid danger and not take unnecessary risks