step-in

[ step-in ]

adjective

1. (of garments, shoes, etc.) put on by being stepped into.

noun

1. step-ins, panties, especially bias-cut panties with wide legs worn by women in the 1920s and 1930s.
2. any step-in garment.

step in

verb

1. informal.
   intr, adverb to intervene or involve oneself, esp dramatically or at a senior level

adjective

1. prenominal (of garments, etc) put on by being stepped into; without fastenings
2. (of a ski binding) engaging automatically when the boot is positioned on the ski

noun

1. often plural a step-in garment, esp underwear

Word History and Origins

Origin of step-in¹

First recorded in 1920–25; adj., noun use of verb phrase step in

Idioms and Phrases

Enter into an activity or situation; also, intervene. For example, The business was doing poorly until Stan stepped in , or They are going to make a mess of the mailing unless someone steps in and shows them what to do . [Late 1400s] Also see step into .

Example Sentences

But Donovan said the Heritage Foundation might ask its political allies to step-in on the issue of birth control regulations.

From The Daily Beast

Anno Domini 166, the deane of Exon dyed, and then it was his right to step-in next to the deanry.

From Project Gutenberg