step back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Move backward to give space
Why “back”? Back creates distance or reduces progress. The change can affect a place, position, amount, promise, or plan.
“Step back, please. The doors are closing.”
“Step back from the oven door.”
Don't confuse with
Step back means move backward to give space. Step on means place your foot on something.
Test yourself
“Step back, please. The doors are closing.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
step on
A contrast learners often mix up
Place your foot on something
cut back
Same back pattern: distance
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
die back
Same back pattern: distance
(of a plant) lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
draw back
Same back pattern: distance
Move yourself away in hesitation
drive back
Same back pattern: distance
Force an attacker to retreat
drop back
Same back pattern: distance
Move to a position further behind
edge back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backward in small cautious steps
fall back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
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