step aside

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]

Example Sentences

Now she knows it is time to step aside.

From BBC

It later emerged he had volunteered to step aside so as not to deprive a more inexperienced player the chance to compete.

From BBC

Pleas for Biden to step aside had been building following his disastrous debate performance less than five months before the election, but by that time Harris had given up on the idea that he would withdraw from the race.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite this, she told Axios on Thursday that she would seek reelection in 2026: “I say my seniority is what is very important, and I am not going to step aside.”

From Salon

The former Sporting boss said at the end of last season that if the club's poor form continued into this season he would step aside as manager.

From BBC

Related Words

• avert 
• bypass 
• dodge 
• escape 
• evade 
• fend off www.thesaurus.com
• shun 
• sidestep 
• ward off