Sidestep Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sidestep
[หsaษชdหstษp ]
Definitions
avoidance
To avoid dealing with or discussing a difficult situation or question; to evade or bypass an issue.
Synonyms
avoid, circumvent, dodge, evade, skirt.
Examples of usage
- She sidestepped the question about her past.
- He always sidesteps any responsibility.
dance
A dance step in which a person moves sideways by stepping with one foot and bringing the other foot to meet it.
Synonyms
side glide, side shuffle, side step.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sidestep |
This word is used to describe the act of stepping to the side to avoid something, either literally or figuratively. It often implies avoidance or evasion, which can carry a slightly negative connotation if used in reference to avoiding responsibility or a question.
|
| side shuffle |
This term is common in sports and exercise, referring to a quick, short, lateral movement often used in drills for agility training. It suggests repeated quick steps taken to the side.
|
| side step |
This term is similar to 'sidestep' but can be used in a more neutral way. It typically refers to a literal movement to the side and is often used in contexts like dance, sports, or avoiding obstacles.
|
| side glide |
This phrase is rare and primarily used in dance or physical movement contexts, where it refers to a smooth, continuous sidestepping movement. It's often used to evoke a graceful motion.
|
Examples of usage
- The dancers performed a graceful sidestep across the stage.
- She executed a quick sidestep to avoid colliding with the other dancer.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In football, sidestepping an opponent can help evade tackles and create more space to make a play.
- Boxers often sidestep to dodge punches, moving quickly to either side to avoid being hit.
- This technique is critical in martial arts; it helps practitioners reposition themselves defensively.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often sidestep metaphorically as a way to avoid responsibilities or difficult conversations.
- The term is frequently used in political contexts to describe when officials avoid answering tough questions.
- In video games, sidestepping is a common maneuver that players use to dodge attacks from enemies.
Psychology
- Psychologically, sidestepping can refer to avoidance behavior, where individuals evade stressors instead of confronting them.
- This behavior can result in short-term relief but may lead to increased anxiety and irresponsibility over time.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques often explore strategies for recognizing and addressing sidestepping in personal challenges.
Literature
- In literature, characters who sidestep conflict often serve as unreliable narrators, leading readers to question their motivations.
- Authors may use sidestepping as a narrative device to reveal deeper themes of avoidance in characters' journeys.
- Poets often utilize sidestep imagery to evoke feelings of evasion and introspection in their work.
Origin of 'sidestep'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sidestep' combines 'side' and 'step,' literally meaning to take a step to the side.
- It originated in the early 20th century, with the first use noted around 1917 in English.
- In its earliest usages, it was often related to physical movement, particularly in dance and sports.
The term 'sidestep' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'side' with 'step'. It initially referred to a literal step to the side, especially in dancing. Over time, the figurative meaning of avoiding or bypassing something developed. The word has been used in various contexts, from dance to discussions, to describe the act of moving aside or evading.
See also: misstep, missteps, overstep, step, steppe, stepping, steps.