step aside

Idioms  

1. Move out of the way, as in Please step aside—I've got my arms full of groceries . This usage was first recorded in 1530.

2. Withdraw, make room for a replacement, as in The senior researcher decided to step aside for a younger colleague . [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will resign after almost a decade in power, bowing to members of his party who have been calling on him to step aside ahead of an election later in the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Senior leaders of the firm asked Wang to step aside or share his decision-making power; Wang ultimately agreed to exit, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

A delegation from the West African bloc Ecowas has been in the country, urging the military to step aside and release the results of the vote.

From BBC

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt had been due to step aside after the Rugby Championship, but agreed to stay on until mid-2026 when Les Kiss will take over.

From Barron's

“You are. Instead of living in reality, you’re choosing to live in a false world —an alternate perception where every piece of evidence you get is forced into your way of dealing with grief. If you truly thought Mother was still alive, then why are you even running in this election to decide the new Mother Earth? Did you think she would just step aside and let you, out of all her children, run her prized possession?”

From Literature

Related Words

• avert
• bypass
• dodge
• escape
• evade
• fend off
• shun
• sidestep