Sidestep

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/ noun, verb

noun, verb ·Common ·High school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A step to the side.
  2. 2
    a step to one side (as in boxing or dancing) wordnet
  3. 3
    A physical motion or metaphorical act to avoid or dodge something.
Verb
  1. 1
    To step to the side. intransitive

    "I […] knocked and waited. […] He sidestepped, and I went in."

  2. 2
    avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues) wordnet
  3. 3
    To avoid or dodge. figuratively, transitive

    "They sidestepped the issue."

Synonyms

All synonyms
about the busharound the bushavertavoidavoidavoidance

Example

More examples

"He attempted to sidestep a conflict with his chief."

Etymology

From side + step.

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