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step in

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

Get involved to help or fix a problem, or take over from someone else.

Literal meaning: To physically step into a space or area.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To intervene in a situation to help, solve a problem, or prevent something bad from happening.

"When the argument got out of hand, the manager stepped in and told everyone to calm down."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To take over someone else's role or responsibilities, especially at short notice.

"When the lead actor fell ill, his understudy stepped in and gave a brilliant performance."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To physically enter a space by lifting the foot and placing it inside.

"She stepped in the elevator just before the doors closed."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in both everyday and formal contexts. 'Step in to do something' and 'step in for someone' are the standard patterns. Also used literally to mean entering a space.

Commonly used with

help intervene replace fill in dispute crisis

Forms

Base
step in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
steps in
he/she/it
Past simple
steped in
yesterday
Past participle
steped in
have + pp
-ing form
steping in
continuous

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Synonyms

intervene get involved step up fill in intercede take over

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