stands aside
Makes way voluntarily
Stands aside means to step out of the way or withdraw from involvement.
Physically, someone stands aside to let others pass: She stood aside to let the paramedics through.
Figuratively, it means to remove oneself from a situation, often to avoid interference or let others take charge: The committee chair stood aside during the vote on her proposal.
- step backCreate distance, literally/figuratively
- back offStop pressing someone
- move awayLeave current location
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- abstainDeliberately not do
recuse · resign · pass the baton · disengage · give way · get out of the way · opt out · steer clear · hang back · retreat · take a back seat · delegate · vacate · step down · refrain · reposition · sidestep · make way
stands asideblocks
Obstructs or sections
obstructs · gets in the way · impedes · interposes · occupies
stands asideintervenes
Acts to alter events
steps in · takes action · jumps in · engages · interferes
stands asidestands one's ground
holds firm · digs in · asserts oneself · pushes forward · takes over
stand, stands, standing, stander, standee, standstill, withstand, withstood, understand