sidestep

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To step to one side in order to avoid hitting someone or something.

    • He had to sidestep a cyclist who swerved onto the sidewalk.

    • Can you sidestep the puddle, or should we walk around it?

  2. To avoid dealing with an issue, question, or responsibility directly.

    • The spokesperson attempted to sidestep the reporter's direct question about funding.

    • She always sidesteps difficult conversations with her supervisor.

How it's used

This means “avoid a physical obstacle or topic”

  • sidestep the question

“sidestep it.”

She tried to sidestep the question during the meeting.

Collocations

  • sidestep the issue
  • sidestep regulations
  • sidestep responsibility

Synonyms

Antonyms