# sidestep

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/ (US) · /sˈaɪdstɛp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sidestep
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

Dodge, evade, avoid

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive for physical movement and transitive when meaning to evade something.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.