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

The findings, published today in Nature Genetics, suggest that these rare genetic anomalies may represent some of the earliest steps in a series of events that could culminate in breast cancer development.

From Science Daily

But he was ready to go for the next step in his life.

From BBC

"We need vaccines that can effectively stop the bacteria from spreading within communities, and this new approach offers an encouraging step in that direction."

From Science Daily

The emergence of Ben Doak, therefore, has been a thrilling step in the right direction.

From BBC

"This study is a key first step in identifying pollutants in the water, even in some unexpected places like natural springs," said Arnold.

From Science Daily