sidestep

American  

[sahyd-step] / ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb (used without object)

sidestepped, sidestepping

1. to step to one side.

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

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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 British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb

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

2. (tr) to dodge or circumvent

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• sidestepper noun

Etymology

Origin of sidestep

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Asked directly about safety, Joshua sidestepped the question.

From BBC

By funding independent research organizations, Tech Labs sidesteps some of the thorniest debates about indirect costs and institutional overhead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although Moscow has sidestepped Western insurers with its shadow fleet, it still buys policies from Chinese or Russian domestic insurers—and such attacks are making them costlier.

From The Wall Street Journal

“But they’re exhibiting great capital discipline. If you’re worried about the circular financing and overspending, Apple is sidestepping all of that.”

From MarketWatch

Companies would theoretically also be able to avoid opposition from communities that don’t want data centers in their backyards and sidestep regulations that bog down construction on Earth.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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