Word
sidestep
Phoneticsside·step, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/
UK/sˈaɪdstɛp/
Definition
v. to step quickly to one side to avoid something in your way. You also use it when you avoid a hard question, problem, or rule.
v. to move sharply to one side to avoid a blow, obstacle, or opponent; by extension, to evade a difficult question, responsibility, or rule.
Examples
“She sidesteps the puddle on her way to work.”
“When the reporter asks about the budget cuts, the mayor sidesteps the question and talks about new parks.”
“Rather than confront the failing strategy directly, the board repeatedly sidestepped difficult decisions, approving vague compromises that postponed the inevitable restructuring.”
Examples
simple
“She sidesteps the puddle on her way to work.”
contextual
“When the reporter asks about the budget cuts, the mayor sidesteps the question and talks about new parks.”
complex
“Rather than confront the failing strategy directly, the board repeatedly sidestepped difficult decisions, approving vague compromises that postponed the inevitable restructuring.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sidestep” in context.
Verb
01. attempt to sidestep
“The minister attempted to sidestep criticism over the delay.”
verb + to + verb
02. manage to sidestep
“She managed to sidestep the defender and scored.”
verb + to + verb
03. sidestep criticism
“The CEO sidestepped criticism of the safety record.”
verb + noun
04. sidestep issue
“Don't try to sidestep the issue, give a straight answer.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. effectively sidestep
“The company effectively sidestepped the new regulations.”
adv + verb
06. neatly sidestep
“The winger neatly sidestepped his marker and crossed the ball.”
adv + verb
07. quickly sidestep
“She quickly sidestepped to avoid the puddle on the pavement.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. sidestep into space
“He sidestepped into space and passed the ball forward.”
verb + prep + noun
09. effectively sidestep the issue
“The statement effectively sidesteps the issue of compensation.”
10. neatly sidestep a tackle
“He neatly sidestepped a tackle before passing the ball.”
11. sidestep a difficult question
“The spokesperson managed to sidestep a difficult question on pay.”
12. sidestep around the rules
“Some landlords try to sidestep around the rules on deposits.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive for physical movement and transitive when meaning to evade something.
Real-World Examples
“But a new study by UC Berkeley social scientists finds that Americans usually don't consider the full scope of difficult issues, instead basing their opinions on mental shortcuts that sidestep complexity.” “However, the notorious “11-month contract” is becoming increasingly prevalent in Spanish cities as a way for landlords to sidestep stricter rules for long-term contracts.” “Vance expressed a long-held fascination with “end times” beliefs – saying that he had owned a John Hagee bible , which emphasizes end times teachings – before subtly trying to sidestep the issue.” “But the film sidesteps the fact that Liam spent the mourning period criticising his brother for his failure to appear at charity shows supporting the survivors.” Etymology
From side + step.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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