step back

phrasal verb

stepped back; stepping back; steps back

: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way

You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.

Examples of step back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While designing the Space Shuttle, the US space agency often took a step back to consider several approaches, only to return to its original plan. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

One month later, Apple’s CFO Luca Maestri also decided to step back from his role. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025

But what surely will make a more impactful statement is when the cadre of high-profile stars, reportedly still wearing real fur and parading it on Instagram, likewise publicize decisions to step back and eschew real fur in favor of faux. —Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025

The Eagles are 8-4 and atop the NFC East, but the offense has taken a step back from last season and Patullo has become a source of consternation among Philadelphia fans. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for step back

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback