ENGLISH
REFERENCE

step forward

idiom
Meaning

to volunteer for something; to offer one's services


Examples
SIMPLE

Please step forward if you want to help with the project.

CONTEXTUAL

When the teacher asked for a volunteer to lead the group, nobody wanted to step forward.

COMPLEX

Despite the significant personal risks involved in the investigation, she decided to step forward and provide the authorities with the evidence they desperately needed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    baby step

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

  2. 02

    bring forward

    To call up for consideration.

  3. 03

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

  4. 04

    come forward

    To offer help or information, especially about a crime.

  5. 05

    inch forward

    To move forward in a very slow, cautious, and careful way.

  6. 06

    one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind

    (used imitatively) A cliché used to exaggerate an accomplishment or milestone.

  7. 07

    one step ahead

    maintaining a slight advantage; continuing to lead

  8. 08

    one step forward, two steps back

    A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.

© 2026 English Reference