step aside
Clear the path
Step aside means to move out of the way, literally or figuratively.
You might step aside to let someone pass on a sidewalk.
More often, it describes voluntarily leaving a position or role to make way for another: The CEO stepped aside after the scandal.
To step aside from something is to withdraw from involvement: She stepped aside from the project.
Delay or submit
- give wayCollapse or relent
- stand downWithdraw from readiness
- bow outVoluntarily leave a situation
- withdrawRemove or pull away
back down · concede · relinquish · cede · hand over · acquiesce · submit · capitulate
Withdraw from judging
- abstainDeliberately not do
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- stay outRemain outside or absent
keep clear · back away · opt out · bow out · conflict of interest
Voluntarily leave office
- retireCease employment permanently
- quitCease doing something
- abdicateFormally renounce authority
- bow outVoluntarily leave a situation
stand down · withdraw · exit · depart · succession
Shift aside for another
- make wayAllow passage through
- clear pathUnobstructed way forward
- stand backWithdraw to safe distance
- make roomClear space for something
shift position · shuffle · reposition · budge · vacate · clear · scoot over
Allow passage through
- deferDelay or submit
- show respectDemonstrate esteem for another
- accommodateProvide for or adjust
- gentlemanCourteous, honorable man
chivalry · consideration · etiquette · deference · graciousness
defer
Delay or submit
- give wayCollapse or relent
- stand downWithdraw from readiness
- bow outVoluntarily leave a situation
withdraw · back down · concede · relinquish · cede · hand over · acquiesce · submit · capitulate · resign
recuse
Withdraw from judging
stay out · keep clear · back away · opt out · bow out · conflict of interest
resign
Voluntarily leave office
bow out · stand down · withdraw · exit · depart · succession
move over
Shift aside for another
- make wayAllow passage through
- clear pathUnobstructed way forward
- stand backWithdraw to safe distance
shift position · make room · shuffle · reposition · budge · vacate · clear · scoot over
make way
Allow passage through
- deferDelay or submit
- show respectDemonstrate esteem for another
- accommodateProvide for or adjust
gentleman · chivalry · consideration · etiquette · deference · graciousness
- Braggingbrag, gloat, show off, flex, swagger
- maneuversmaneuver, feint, dodge, evasion, evasive action
- motion idiomsin motion, on the move, on the go, move forward, move along
- phrasal verbspick up, look at, put down, turn on, turn off
- quittingquit, resign, resignation, stop, end
- outdoor ethicsleave no trace, no trace, tread lightly, pack it out, stay on trail
step asidestep forward
Move toward something
stand in the way · block · push through · step in · obstruct
step asidestep up
Increase or advance
take over · seize control · take charge · step in · assume control
step asidepush past
Move forcibly beyond
cut in line · muscle in · force one's way · jump the queue · crowd out
step, aside, steps, footstep, sidestep, stepping, set aside, stepped, footsteps