step-in

[ step-in ]

adjective

1. (of garments, shoes, etc.) put on by being stepped into.

noun

1. step-ins, panties, especially bias-cut panties with wide legs worn by women in the 1920s and 1930s.
2. any step-in garment.

step in

verb

1. informal.
   intr, adverb to intervene or involve oneself, esp dramatically or at a senior level

adjective

1. prenominal (of garments, etc) put on by being stepped into; without fastenings
2. (of a ski binding) engaging automatically when the boot is positioned on the ski

noun

1. often plural a step-in garment, esp underwear

Word History and Origins

Origin of step-in¹

First recorded in 1920–25; adj., noun use of verb phrase step in

Idioms and Phrases

Enter into an activity or situation; also, intervene. For example, The business was doing poorly until Stan stepped in , or They are going to make a mess of the mailing unless someone steps in and shows them what to do . [Late 1400s] Also see step into .

Example Sentences

Some reports suggest that military leaders put steps in place to limit Trump’s ability to order the use of nuclear weapons.

From Salon

The complaint is the NLRB’s first step in litigating the case after investigating an unfair labor practice claim submitted by employees and finding merit to the allegations.

From Los Angeles Times

Trembley expressed his gratitude to the state and local emergency agencies that stepped in to help, along with the fire agencies from outside Ventura County that made the trek to Camarillo.

From Los Angeles Times

Getting agreement on a new finance target is seen as a critical step in building trust between rich and poor nations as, so far, the track record hasn’t been great.

From BBC

But he hinted there could be more to come, adding: "I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey. This isn’t the last you’ve heard of the 'Yummy Brummie'."

From BBC