step back
Gain some perspective
Step back means to move away from something, either literally by taking a backward step or figuratively by creating mental or emotional distance.
When you step back from a situation, you pause to gain perspective or reassess: Let's step back and look at the bigger picture.
The phrase often suggests temporarily disengaging from involvement or responsibility: She decided to step back from her leadership role.
A step back can also indicate regression or loss of progress.
- distanceSpace between two points
- reflectReturn light or thought
- introspectObserve one's own mind
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- take a breatherPause to recover energy
reassess · withdraw · big picture · bird's eye view · retreat · zoom out · recoil · take stock · reconsider · perspective · fresh perspective · prudence · contemplate · think it over · sleep on it · viewpoint · rethink · strategic retreat
- Boundary phrasesno, stop, enough, boundaries, off limits
- photo directionssmile, pose, look at me, chin up, hold it
- shock reactionsgasp, wide eyes, jaw drop, shocked face, open mouth
- Back Offhands off, butt out, keep away, stay out, keep out
- going backwardretreated, reversed, returned, withdrew, backtracked
- pullbacksretreat, withdrawal, recoil, fallback, backtrack
step backstep forward
Move toward something
advance · move forward · approach · come closer · move in
step backdive in
Begin eagerly, headfirst
step up · get involved · engage · lean in · commit
back, step, backing, steps, backed, footstep, stepping, stepped, step-down