1 A2 neutral
To physically move to one side to let someone or something pass.
"He stepped aside to let the elderly woman through the narrow doorway."
inseparable
step aside
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move to one side to make room, or to give up a role or position so someone else can take it.
In plain English
Move out of the way, or let someone else take your job or role.
What does "step aside" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To voluntarily give up a position, role, or authority so that someone else can take over.
"The CEO agreed to step aside after months of pressure from shareholders."
“
I have decided to step aside as leader of the Labour Party.
— Jeremy Corbyn, resignation statement, 2020
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic formal
To temporarily remove oneself from involvement in a matter, especially to allow an impartial process.
"The judge was asked to step aside because she had a personal connection to the defendant."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically move one step to the side.
Actually means
Move out of the way, or let someone else take your job or role.
Usage tip
The figurative sense (leaving a role) is very common in news and political contexts. The physical sense is polite and everyday. Neither sense is separable.
Words that pair with "step aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
leader chairman position role allow let
How to conjugate "step aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
step aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
steps aside
he/she/it
Past simple
steped aside
yesterday
Past participle
steped aside
have + pp
-ing form
steping aside
continuous
Hear "step aside" in the wild
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Other ways to say "step aside"
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Keep exploring
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