English Reference
Idiom idiom

step back


To stop what one is doing and evaluate the current situation.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

You need to step back and think about your choice.

CONTEXTUAL

When the project became too stressful, I decided to step back and look at the bigger picture.

COMPLEX

Before making a final decision on the merger, the board chose to step back and evaluate the long-term consequences for the company.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    baby step

    A small effort made towards the completion of a much larger task.

  3. 03

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

Last updated August 10, 2026