steps back
Creates some space
Steps back means to withdraw slightly, either physically or figuratively.
Literally, you step back to create distance or get a better view.
Figuratively, stepping back means disengaging from involvement or reconsidering something with fresh perspective: She stepped back from the project to focus on family, Let's step back and look at the bigger picture.
Reverse one's stance
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- yieldProduce or relinquish
- disengageBreak free from attachment
recede · flinch · shy away · pull away · give ground · move away · retreat · reverse
Space between two points
- objectivityFreedom from personal bias
- detachmentSeparation or emotional uninvolvement
- overviewBroad general summary
- reflectionReturned light or thought
reassessment · big picture · bird's eye view · clarity · hindsight · contemplation · reconsideration · review
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
- restraintControl over impulses
vigilance · carefulness · heedfulness · discretion · forethought · reserve · skepticism · deliberation
Bending under pressure
- deferringPostponing or yielding respectfully
- concedingAcknowledging another's claim
- giving waySurrendering right of passage
- allowingGranting permission to proceed
acquiescing · standing aside · bowing out · withdrawing · recusing · passing · relinquishing
backpedal
Reverse one's stance
disengage · recede · flinch · shy away · pull away · give ground · move away · retreat · reverse · relinquish
distance
Space between two points
- objectivityFreedom from personal bias
- detachmentSeparation or emotional uninvolvement
- overviewBroad general summary
reflection · reassessment · big picture · bird's eye view · clarity · hindsight · contemplation · reconsideration · review · pause
hesitation
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
restraint · vigilance · carefulness · heedfulness · discretion · forethought · reserve · skepticism · deliberation · mindfulness
yielding
Bending under pressure
- deferringPostponing or yielding respectfully
- concedingAcknowledging another's claim
- giving waySurrendering right of passage
allowing · acquiescing · standing aside · bowing out · withdrawing · recusing · passing · relinquishing
steps backsteps up
Increases or takes responsibility
steps in · engages · jumps in · dives in · takes charge
steps backsteps up
Increases or takes responsibility
speaks up · takes charge · stands up · takes action · asserts oneself
back, step, backward, backing, steps, backed, backer, backwards, backs