guardedattempt
nounUK /ˈɡɑː.dɪd əˈtempt/
US /ˈɡɑːr.dɪd əˈtempt/
A try you make carefully because you are not sure it will work.
He made a guarded attempt to pet the shy dog.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A try made while protecting yourself from danger or harm.
The knight's guarded attempt to enter the cave kept him safe.
3. A careful effort to do something without taking big risks.
Her guarded attempt at the puzzle avoided many mistakes.
4. A try made quietly so others might not notice.
His guarded attempt to sneak a cookie failed when Mom looked up.