step back

phrasal verb

stepped back; stepping back; steps back

: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way

You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.

Examples of step back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite his game taking a step back, Wilson is still capable of providing stability at QB after their disarray at the position last year. —Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

You’re forgiven for not knowing about Walter, a Red Sox prospect who took a step back in 2023, missed all of 2024, and is now suddenly pitching like an ace for the Astros. —Owen Poindexter, New York Times, 20 June 2025

The conversation appears to turn tense and Bautista, wearing a dark-colored baseball cap and a blue hoodie, steps back and starts gesturing wildly up and down the street. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025

But talks have since stalled, with the Trump administration taking a step back while Ukraine and Russia have been intensifying attacks in recent weeks. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 18 June 2025

Rhymes for step back

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback