step in
Enter the fray
To step in is to enter a situation, typically to help, intervene, or take control.
Someone steps in when they involve themselves where they weren't before: She stepped in to mediate the dispute, When the manager quit, his assistant stepped in.
The phrase suggests decisive action—crossing a threshold from observer to participant.
Intervene on behalf
- interfereObstruct or meddle uninvited
- interposeInsert between other things
- mediateFacilitate agreement between disputants
- interruptBreak in upon
break up · get involved · put a stop to · defuse · de-escalate · confront · arbitrate · referee
Replacement for another
- cover forProtect by deceiving
- take overAssume control of something
- relieveLessen pain or burden
- deputizeAppoint as stand-in
understudy · pinch-hit · double · proxy · temp · spell · backstop · surrogate
Assistance given
- aidSupport given freely
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- volunteerUnpaid willing participant
- coverProtect by overlaying
lend a hand · contribute · come forward · offer · back up · pinch-hit · take over · rally
intercede
Intervene on behalf
- interfereObstruct or meddle uninvited
- interposeInsert between other things
- mediateFacilitate agreement between disputants
interrupt · break up · get involved · put a stop to · defuse · de-escalate · confront · arbitrate · referee · umpire
substitute
Replacement for another
deputize · understudy · pinch-hit · double · proxy · temp · spell · backstop · surrogate
help
Assistance given
cover · lend a hand · contribute · come forward · offer · back up · pinch-hit · take over · rally · shoulder
- interveneintervene, intercede, mediate, arbitrate, interpose
- take your turnplay, participate, go, try, have a go
- substitutessubstitute, subs, replacement, substitutes, replace
- engageengage, immerse, delve, dive, plunge
- emergency responsefirst responders, emergency services, fire alarm, 911, call 911
- peacemakingnegotiation, mediation, peace agreement, mediate, pacifying
step instay out
Remain outside or absent
stand aside · back off · keep out · withdraw · hold back
step instep down
Voluntarily leave power
step aside · bow out · resign · relinquish · abdicate
step, in, steps, footstep, stepping, misstep, stepped, instep, overstep