step
One movement of the foot
The act of moving one foot forward or to the side while walking.
to take [a] step
- She took a step closer to the door.
- He paused after a few steps to catch his breath.
- The baby’s first steps were a big moment for the family.
- I heard footsteps on the stairs.
- Please take one step back from the edge.
- He took a step to the left.
- She made two steps forward.
- The boy took his first step today.
- I took one step back.
- They walked ten steps to the shop.
Stage in a process
One action in a plan or process to reach a goal.
the next step [in something]
- Learning the basics is the first step toward mastering the skill.
- Our next step is to test the product.
- This is an important step in your career development.
- Follow these steps to assemble the furniture.
- Taking small steps can lead to big results.
- The first step is to wash your hands.
- This is the last step of the job.
- What is the next step?
- I will take steps to fix it.
- We must follow each step carefully.
Put foot in place
To move your foot onto or into a place while walking.
to step [in/onto/over something]
- She stepped onto the train quickly.
- Be careful not to step on the wet paint.
- He stepped aside to let her pass.
- I stepped into the room quietly.
- They stepped over the puddle.
- Please step inside.
- Do not step on the grass.
- He stepped over the rope.
- I stepped into the shop.
- She stepped back from the dog.
Part of staircase to stand on
One of the flat parts you walk on when using stairs.
- She sat on the top step and waited.
- Be careful, that step is loose.
- There are three steps leading to the front door.
- He tripped on the bottom step.
- The stone steps were slippery after rain.
- I sat on the step outside.
- Be careful of the first step.
- There are five steps to my house.
- The cat is sleeping on the top step.
- She cleaned each step.
Enter role or situation
To take someone's place or join in when needed.
to step into [a role/situation]
- She stepped into the manager's role during his absence.
- He stepped into the discussion to offer his opinion.
- When the lead actor fell ill, his understudy stepped in.
- Parents often have to step in when children argue.
- I stepped into her job for one week.
- He stepped into the game when a player was hurt.
- She stepped into the meeting when her boss was away.
- They stepped in to help us.
- Base: step
- Plural: steps
- Base: step
- 3rd Person Singular: steps
- Present Participle: stepping
- Past: stepped
- Irregular present participle: stepping Verb
- Irregular past: stepped Verb
in someone's shoes
1In another person's situation
To imagine being in another person's situation and thinking how you would feel or act.
- If I were in your shoes, I would apologize.
- You should try to put yourself in her shoes before judging.
one step ahead
1More prepared than others
To be slightly more advanced or ready than other people.
- Our team is always one step ahead of the competition.
- She planned her trip so well that she was one step ahead at every stage.
out of step (with)
1Not matching others' pace or ideas
Not behaving, thinking, or moving at the same time or in the same way as others.
- His views are out of step with most people here.
- The soldiers were out of step during the parade.
step by step
1Gradually and in order
Doing something slowly and carefully in small stages.
- We will solve this problem step by step.
- Follow the instructions step by step.
- She followed the instructions step by step.
- She explained the process step by step.
watch your step
1be careful moving/behaving
Be careful when you walk or when you act, so you don't get hurt or cause trouble.
- Watch your step on the wet floor.
- You'd better watch your step around the boss.
watch your step
2Be careful walking or acting
Be careful about where you walk or how you behave so you don't get hurt or cause problems.
- Watch your step on these icy stairs.
- You’d better watch your step around the boss today.