step back
/stɛp ˈbæk/ verb- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see step, back.
- To stop what one is doing and evaluate the current situation. · Perhaps we should step back for a second and think about solving this problem a different way.
- To prevent oneself from becoming emotionally involved in a certain situation. · As a therapist sometimes you have to step back from your clients' lives.
- to depart driving the train following the train they arrived into the station driving, so as to decrease service turnaround time.
- To retreat from one's duties in a job; to reduce one's duties, often as a prelude to leaving a position; to take a back seat. · He's stepping back from the role to let you start in it.
- To quietly abandon a belief. · You need to step back from the threat you made.
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