sidestep

[sahyd-step]

verb (used without object)

sidestepped, sidestepping 

1. to step to one side.

2. to evade or avoid a decision, problem, or the like.

verb (used with object)

sidestepped, sidestepping 

1. to avoid or dodge by stepping aside.

2. to evade or avoid (a decision, problem, or the like).

sidestep

/ ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb

1. to step aside from or out of the way of (something)

2. (tr) to dodge or circumvent

noun

1. a movement to one side, as in dancing, boxing, etc

Other Word Forms

• sidestepper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidestep¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

In this super-charged update of U.S. gunboat diplomacy, critics say laws are being ignored, norms sidestepped and protocol set aside.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ms Ferguson, who lost her duchess title when Andrew gave up his Duke of York title a few weeks ago, had, until recently, sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein.

Read more on BBC

But the rule also means that some people can sidestep huge tax bills with a job in the executive branch, even if they serve only briefly.

Read more on MarketWatch

Experience suggests Russia will turn to its shadow fleet, obscure networks of intermediaries and nondollar financial channels to sidestep the sanctions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Prior to that, she had sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein and I think may have continued to do so, albeit without calling herself Duchess of York, had that not happened."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• avoid 
• bypass 
• duck 
• evade 
• fudge 
• skirt