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

And here's a big penalty flag Fans must take a step back and seriously question stories about sudden availability or prices that are too good to be true. —Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024

Ross had already stepped back from day to day duties, ceding that role to John Halley, who was named president of ad sales for the company in 2022. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024

And a result of Parkinson’s affecting his memory and his ability to memorize lines, Fox ultimately stepped back from acting. —Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024

However, a significant partner, contract or vendor is out of place and requiring you to take a step back first. —Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

Tackle Trevor Penning, who took a major step back in his second season after a really good rookie year, and guard Cesar Ruiz. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024

But this was no step back on the accuser’s claims, attorney Yoel Zehaie told the Star-Telegram on Wednesday. —Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024

Skoll stepped back from day-to-day operations of the company years ago. —Lindsey Bahr, Quartz, 16 Apr. 2024

The next steps remain unclear, but Israel is facing pleas from its allies to step back from the brink of open warfare and chose a path of de-escalation. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024