step back

To pause an activity so you can think clearly about the whole situation.

• Let us step back and think.
• She stepped back to consider all the options.
• Could you step back and look at the whole problem?

How to use it: step back from something (We should step back from the details and examine our goals.)

Similar words: pause, reassess

Common phrases: step back and think, step back from something

To move one or more steps away from something or towards a place behind you.

• Please step back a little.
• She stepped back to let him pass.
• Everyone stepped back when the glass broke.

How to use it: step back from something (Please step back from the edge.)

Similar words: move back, step backwards

Opposites: step forward

Common phrases: step back slowly, step back from something

To do less of your work or give some responsibilities to others.

• He is stepping back from his role.
• She stepped back and let her assistant lead.
• Will the founder step back from running the company?

How to use it: step back from something (She plans to step back from her management duties.)

Similar words: take a back seat, withdraw

Common phrases: step back from something, step back as manager

To keep some emotional distance from people or a situation.

• I need to step back emotionally.
• The therapist stepped back from her clients’ problems.
• He stepped back from the argument before becoming too upset.

How to use it: step back from someone/something (She stepped back from the family dispute to protect her peace of mind.)

Similar words: detach oneself, distance oneself

Common phrases: step back emotionally, step back from someone

To quietly stop supporting a belief or position you previously held.

• She stepped back from that belief.
• The party has stepped back from its harsh position.
• He quietly stepped back from his earlier claims.

How to use it: step back from something (The minister stepped back from his earlier position.)

Similar words: back away, retreat

Common phrases: step back from something, step back from claims

For a train driver, to drive the following train out instead of the one they brought in.

• Drivers step back at the terminus.
• She stepped back and drove the following train.
• The timetable requires drivers to step back during busy hours.

Common phrases: step back at terminus, step back between trains

A change that makes a situation worse or reduces progress.

• This change is a step back.
• Losing the funding was a step back for us.
• Would fewer safety checks be a step back?

How to use it: a step back for someone/something (The cuts are a step back for public education.)

Similar words: setback, regression

Opposites: advance

Common phrases: a step back, another step back

A return to an earlier condition or way of doing things.

• This is a step back to our old routine.
• The village feels like a step back in time.
• Returning to paper records was a step back to earlier methods.

How to use it: a step back to something (The festival is a step back to simpler times.)

Similar words: return, reversion

Common phrases: a step back, a step back historically