step
verb [ I ]
uk/step/ usstep into the breach
to do someone else's work when they are unable to do it:
Bill's illness meant that Kathy had to step into the breach.
step on it informal
used to tell someone to drive faster or to hurry:
Could you step on it? I'm late.
If we want to get these orders out on time, we're going to have to step on it.
step out of line
to behave in a way that is unacceptable or not expected:
If he steps out of line, he could be fired.
Phrasal verbs
step aside/down
step forward
step in
step into sth
step sth up
step
noun [ C ]
uk/step/ usa stage in a process:
the first/next step What's the first step in the programme?
Following the success of our products in Europe, the logical next step is to move into the American market.
a step ahead/behind We have to stay a step ahead of our competitors.
an action taken for a particular purpose:
take steps to do sth We need to take drastic steps to reduce pollution.
in step
having opinions or ideas that are the same as those of other people:
keep/stay in step with sth/sb Television companies need to keep in step with public opinion.
out of step
having opinions or ideas that are different from those of other people:
out of step with sth/sb Our supervisor seems to be out of step with the rest of management.
a/one step at a time
slowly and carefully:
If we do this one step at a time we won't make any mistakes.
step by step
dealing with one thing and then another thing in a fixed order:
Don't worry - I'll go through the procedure with you step by step.
She gave me detailed step-by-step instructions.
a step forward/in the right direction
an improvement or positive development:
This may not be a complete solution, but it's a step forward.
Most people believe that the decision to cut interest rates was a step in the right direction.