dar un mal paso

1.
All Spanish-speaking regionsneutralfigurative
- To make a mistaken or imprudent decision that leads to negative consequences, social disapproval, or personal ruin.
- To commit a moral or social indiscretion that harms one's reputation or prospects.
2.
All Spanish-speaking regionsneutralliteral
- To take a wrong or awkward physical step, causing a stumble, fall, or minor accident.

Examples:

ES: No conozco a la Sra. Haines aún y odiaría dar un mal paso antes de conocerla socialmente.
EN: I don't know Mrs. Haines yet and I'd hate to get off on the wrong foot before I met her socially.
ES: No, sería dar un mal paso.
EN: No, it would be a bad step.
ES: ¿No te dije ya, que tus locos celos te harían dar un mal paso?
EN: Didn't I tell you that your mad jealousy would get you into trouble?
ES: Una persona puede dar un mal paso en un momento de precipitación.
EN: A person... A person can take a wrong turn in an impetuous moment.
ES: El poble Zizi debió dar un mal paso y borracho como estaba, se cayó al agua, se golpeó, vete a saber con qué y se ahogó.
EN: Poor Zizi' was so drunk he must have slipped and hit something, then fell in and drowned.
ES: No pasa nada por dar un mal paso.
EN: It's okay to stumble.
ES: Sí, acabo de dar un mal paso.
EN: Yeah, yeah, I just took a bad step.