step aside

1. Withdraw, make room for a replacement, as in The senior researcher decided to step aside for a younger colleague . [Second half of 1900s]

2. Move out of the way, as in Please step aside—I've got my arms full of groceries . This usage was first recorded in 1530.

Example Sentences

But a source close to Nicoll told BBC Scotland News that she felt there was an "underlying inference" in the phone call that he wanted her to step aside.

From BBC

Mr Welby had previously resisted calls to step aside over his response to the case since 2013.

From BBC

“The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary.”

From Salon

Pelosi told the New York Times: "The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary."

From BBC

Even after the debate poured gasoline on the fire, Biden and his allies spent a month resisting calls for him to step aside, leaving Harris with just over three months to define her candidacy.

From Salon

Related Words

• avert
• bypass
• dodge
• escape
• evade
• fend off
• shun
• sidestep
• ward off