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
Maybe Carrie is there to teach us to take a step back and recognize our own flaws.
—
Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
So the museum’s 50th anniversary this year is an opportunity to step back and see the collection in its original light.
—Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Last season, the Panthers took a step back with a fourth place finish in district 7-5A and were eliminated by Midlothian in the bi-district round.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024
But now, unfortunately, not necessarily back to ground zero with it, but just got to take a step back and kind of calm it down again.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
Carole Middleton stepped back from the day-to-day running of Party Pieces in 2019, becoming a brand ambassador for the business, as a new management team was put in place, The Times said.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024
Thompson steps back and leans against a tree, his eyes sparkling, pride in his smile.
—Jen Guyton, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Kate, who first stepped back from royal responsibilities in January after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery, was expected to return to royal duties after Easter, though her return has been postponed until she is given medical clearance.
—TIME, 31 Mar. 2024
In recent months, the star has taken a step back from the spotlight after revealing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
So the museum’s 50th anniversary this year is an opportunity to step back and see the collection in its original light.
—Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Last season, the Panthers took a step back with a fourth place finish in district 7-5A and were eliminated by Midlothian in the bi-district round.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024
But now, unfortunately, not necessarily back to ground zero with it, but just got to take a step back and kind of calm it down again.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
Carole Middleton stepped back from the day-to-day running of Party Pieces in 2019, becoming a brand ambassador for the business, as a new management team was put in place, The Times said.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024
Thompson steps back and leans against a tree, his eyes sparkling, pride in his smile.
—Jen Guyton, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Kate, who first stepped back from royal responsibilities in January after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery, was expected to return to royal duties after Easter, though her return has been postponed until she is given medical clearance.
—TIME, 31 Mar. 2024
In recent months, the star has taken a step back from the spotlight after revealing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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