stand aside
Clear the path
Stand aside means to move out of the way, either physically or figuratively, to let someone or something pass or proceed.
When you stand aside for a person, you step to one side so they can get by: The crowd stood aside as the paramedics rushed through.
In a broader sense, standing aside means withdrawing from involvement or refraining from action, often to allow others to take the lead: She decided to stand aside and let the younger candidates run for office.
Voluntarily leave power
- resignVoluntarily leave office
- abdicateFormally renounce authority
- relinquishVoluntarily give up control
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
concede · yield · capitulate · bow out · retire · quit · withdraw · renounce
Create distance, literally/figuratively
- move overShift aside for another
- clear pathUnobstructed way forward
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
dodge · evade · bypass · circumvent · abstain · refrain · decline · recuse
Remove or pull away
- fall backWithdraw from advance
- pull backTo retreat or disengage
- back awayRetreat while still facing
- recedeMove back from
retire · disengage · vacate · evacuate · relinquish · abandon · leave · exit
Produce or relinquish
- deferDelay or submit
- make wayAllow passage through
- give wayCollapse or relent
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
respect · politeness · humility · acquiescence · submission · obeisance · reverence · compliance
step down
Voluntarily leave power
- resignVoluntarily leave office
- abdicateFormally renounce authority
- relinquishVoluntarily give up control
surrender · concede · yield · capitulate · bow out · retire · quit · withdraw · renounce · waive
step back
Create distance, literally/figuratively
- move overShift aside for another
- clear pathUnobstructed way forward
- withdrawRemove or pull away
sidestep · dodge · evade · bypass · circumvent · abstain · refrain · decline · recuse · disengage
withdraw
Remove or pull away
recede · retire · disengage · vacate · evacuate · relinquish · abandon · leave · exit · depart
yield
Produce or relinquish
courtesy · respect · politeness · humility · acquiescence · submission · obeisance · reverence · compliance · concession
- Back Offback off, hands off, butt out, step back, keep away
- archaic imperativeshark, behold, begone, beware, heed
- surrendersurrender, surrenders, surrendering, I surrender, capitulate
stand asideblock
Solid mass, or impede
stand in the way · obstruct · stand firm · get in the way · crowd in
stand asideintervene
Come between opposing sides
step in · get involved · take action · jump in · intercede
stand asidetake charge
Begin leading a situation
take over · take control · step up · take the reins · assume control
stand, standing, understand, aside, understanding, stood, stands, outstanding, withstand