sidestep

American  

[sahyd-step] / ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb (used without object)

sidestepped, sidestepping

1. to step to one side.

2. to evade or avoid a decision, problem, or the like.

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verb (used with object)

sidestepped, sidestepping

1. to avoid or dodge by stepping aside.

2. to evade or avoid (a decision, problem, or the like).

sidestep British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb

1. to step aside from or out of the way of (something)

2. (tr) to dodge or circumvent

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noun

1. a movement to one side, as in dancing, boxing, etc

Other Word Forms

• sidestepper noun

Etymology

Origin of sidestep

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Now they are just hoping to sidestep a recession.

From The Wall Street Journal

I pull in my elbow as Coach sidesteps past me.

From Literature

Yet, until now, tech companies have been able to sidestep responsibility for the pain they have wrought on families across the country.

From MarketWatch

Cardrooms had since sidestepped the ban by giving players the option to take turns dealing the game and relying on third-party businesses to employ people who act as bankers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Kremlin has sidestepped questions about the documentary in the wake of the Oscar win.

From BBC

Related Words

• avoid
• bypass
• duck
• evade
• fudge
• skirt