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

Avivi said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Israel try to expand its zone of control if Hamas doesn’t step aside.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, 78 and a senator representing New Hampshire since 2009, said in March that it was “time” to step aside.

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At the same time, McGrath said she would be willing to step aside.

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Young activists organised protests in several major cities and demanded that Jerí step aside in favour of an independent lawmaker.

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Cohen, however, says he isn’t going down without a fight and has no plans to step aside.

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Related Words

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