2step verb
steps; stepped; step·ping always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] 1 : to move in a specified direction by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place
▪ The sailor stepped ashore. ▪ She stepped onto/off the bus. ▪ They stepped aside/forward/backward to let her pass. ▪ Please step away from the door. : to move somewhere by walking ▪ He stepped outside for a moment. ▪ Step in/into my office for a minute. 2 : to put your foot down — usually + in or on ▪ He accidentally stepped on a nail. ▪ She stepped in a puddle.
▪ The sailor stepped ashore. ▪ She stepped onto/off the bus. ▪ They stepped aside/forward/backward to let her pass. ▪ Please step away from the door. : to move somewhere by walking ▪ He stepped outside for a moment. ▪ Step in/into my office for a minute.
step aside/down [phrasal verb]
: to leave a job or official position
▪ He stepped down [=resigned] as president. ▪ She'll step aside after her replacement is appointed.
▪ He stepped down [=resigned] as president. ▪ She'll step aside after her replacement is appointed.
step back [phrasal verb]
: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so that you can think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
▪ You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.
▪ You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.
step forward [phrasal verb]
: to give or offer help, information, etc.
▪ A witness stepped forward to identify the robber.
▪ A witness stepped forward to identify the robber.
step in [phrasal verb]
: to become involved in an activity, discussion, etc., in order to prevent trouble or provide help
▪ He stepped in and took charge. ▪ She stepped in before a fight could start.
▪ He stepped in and took charge. ▪ She stepped in before a fight could start.
step into [phrasal verb]
step into (something) : to take a particular role or do a particular task
▪ She stepped into the role/position of director. ▪ She's retiring, and it won't be easy to find someone who can step into her shoes. [=fill her shoes; who can do her job]
▪ She stepped into the role/position of director. ▪ She's retiring, and it won't be easy to find someone who can step into her shoes. [=fill her shoes; who can do her job]
step lively — see lively
step on it or US step on the gas
informal : to drive faster
▪ Step on it, they're getting away!
▪ Step on it, they're getting away!
step on someone's toes — see 1toe
step out
[phrasal verb] US : to briefly leave a place
▪ I need to step out [=pop out] for a moment. ▪ She just stepped out to get some milk.
▪ I need to step out [=pop out] for a moment. ▪ She just stepped out to get some milk.
step out of line
informal : to disobey rules or behave badly
▪ If you step out of line, you'll get kicked off the bus.
▪ If you step out of line, you'll get kicked off the bus.
step right up
chiefly US — used to invite people to gather around to see a show or to buy things ▪ Step right up [=(Brit) roll up, roll up] and see the world's greatest magic show!
step up [phrasal verb] 1 : to increase in amount or speed
▪ Production has stepped up in recent months. 2 a : to say openly or publicly that you are the person who should get something or who can do something : to come forward
▪ No one yet has stepped up to claim responsibility.
b : to do better : to succeed in providing what is needed by making a greater effort, improving your performance, etc.
▪ The team's best player is injured, so someone else needs to step up. 3 step (something) up or step up (something) a : to increase the amount or speed of (something)
▪ The company has stepped up production.
b : to improve (something)
▪ The other players need to step up their performance. — see also step-up
▪ Production has stepped up in recent months.
▪ No one yet has stepped up to claim responsibility.
b : to do better : to succeed in providing what is needed by making a greater effort, improving your performance, etc.
▪ The team's best player is injured, so someone else needs to step up.
▪ The company has stepped up production.
b : to improve (something)
▪ The other players need to step up their performance. — see also step-up
step up to the plate — see 1plate
— step·per 
/ˈstɛpɚ/ noun, plural step·pers [count]
/ˈstɛpɚ/ noun, plural step·pers [count]
