side-step

The player uses a quick side-step to avoid the defender.

Definition

1. Verb:

   • To avoid by moving aside: "side-step" means to physically step to the side in order to avoid someone or something.
   • To evade or circumvent: In a figurative sense, "side-step" means to avoid dealing with a difficult issue, question, or responsibility.

2. Noun:

   • A step to the side: "side-step" refers to a physical movement where one steps sideways, often used in sports or dance.
   • A step on a vehicle: "side-step" can also mean a small platform or step attached to the side of a vehicle (e.g., a truck or bus) for easier access.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • He managed to side-step the tackle and score a goal. (He physically moved aside to avoid being hit.)
  • The politician tried to side-step the reporter's question about corruption. (He evaded answering the question.)

• Noun:

  • The dancer performed a quick side-step to the left. (A physical movement to the side.)
  • She climbed onto the side-step of the truck to reach the cargo. (The step on the side of the vehicle.)

Advanced Usage

• "to side-step an issue": to avoid addressing a problem or topic directly.

  • The CEO side-stepped the issue of layoffs during the meeting. (He deliberately avoided discussing job cuts.)

• "to side-step a responsibility": to evade a duty or obligation.

  • He tried to side-step his duties by claiming he was too busy. (He avoided his responsibilities.)

Variants and Related Words

• Side-stepping (n/adj): the act of avoiding or moving aside.

  • His constant side-stepping of questions made the audience suspicious. (His avoidance of answering.)

• Side-step (as a compound noun in sports): a specific defensive move in boxing or rugby.

  • The boxer's side-step was quick enough to dodge the punch. (A sideways movement to avoid a hit.)

Synonyms

• Dodge: to avoid something by moving quickly.
• Evade: to escape or avoid by cleverness or deceit.
• Circumvent: to find a way around an obstacle or rule.

Phrasal Verbs

• Side-step around: to move or avoid by going around.
  • She side-stepped around the puddle to keep her shoes dry. (She physically went around it.)

Related Idioms

• "to side-step the issue": (same as advanced usage) to avoid a direct discussion.
  • Instead of answering, he side-stepped the issue by changing the subject. (He avoided the topic.)