take a step back

English

Verb

take a step back (third-person singular simple present takes a step back, present participle taking a step back, simple past took a step back, past participle taken a step back)

(figuratively) To withdraw temporarily from a situation in order to evaluate it; to cease one's course of action and take a moment to reflect on it; to try and gain some perspective.

Related terms

step back

Translations

Translations

Finnish: ottaa askel kauemmaksi, ottaa askel kauemmas
French: prendre du recul (fr), prendre de la distance, prendre de la hauteur (fr)
Polish: robić krok w tył impf, zrobić krok w tył pf
Spanish: dar un paso atrás

Further reading

“take a step back” in Idioms and phrases, TheFreeDictionary.com, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.: Farlex, Inc., 2003–2024.

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