step on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To place one's foot down onto (something), typically with pressure.
- To tread or press upon with the foot.
Usage
- The verb "step on" requires a direct object (the thing being stepped on).
- It is used to describe the physical action of putting your foot down onto a surface or object.
- It often implies an accidental or careless action, but can also be deliberate.
Examples
- Verb:
- Be careful not to step on the broken glass.
- He accidentally stepped on my toe.
- The cat hissed when I almost stepped on its tail.
Advanced Usage
- "step on it" (idiom): To hurry up; to accelerate (especially in a vehicle).
- We're going to be late—step on it!
- "step on someone's toes" (idiom): To offend someone by encroaching on their area of authority or responsibility.
- I don't want to step on anyone's toes by making changes without consulting the team.
Variants and Related Words
- Tread on (verb): A close synonym for "step on," often used interchangeably.
- Please don't tread on the flowers.
- Stomp on (verb): To step on something heavily and forcefully, often with anger.
- He stomped on the box to flatten it.
Synonyms
- Trample: To tread on and crush, often with a sense of violence or disregard.
- Crush: To press or squeeze with force, often causing deformation or destruction.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Step in: To become involved in a situation to help or intervene.
- The teacher had to step in to stop the argument.
- Step over: To lift your foot to avoid stepping on something.
- She stepped over the puddle.
Related Idioms
- Step on the gas: Similar to "step on it"; to go faster, especially in a car.
- If you step on the gas, we might make it on time.
- Step on a crack (from the superstition): "Step on a crack, break your mother's back."
- As a child, she would avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk.
Verb
- place or press the foot on
- He stepped on the hem of her long gown