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3. step aside

step aside

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step aside

 (for someone)

1. Lit. to move out of someone's way. Would you step aside for my uncle and his walker? We had to step aside for the people in wheelchairs to get by.

2. Fig. to retire from an office so someone else can take over. The president retired and stepped aside for someone else. Walter stepped aside for a younger person to take over.

See also: aside, step

step aside

1. Move out of the way, as in Please step aside-I've got my arms full of groceries. This usage was first recorded in 1530.

2. Withdraw, make room for a replacement, as in The senior researcher decided to step aside for a younger colleague. [Second half of 1900s]

See also: aside, step

step aside

v.

1. To take a step or to walk to the side so as to give way to another: I stepped aside to let the jogger pass.

2. To resign from a post, especially when being replaced: The chairman of the board asked the executive to step aside for his appointed successor. At the end of her term, she stepped aside and allowed the new appointee to take over.

See also: aside, step