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3. step in

step in

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step in(to some place)

to walk into a place. Tiffany stepped into the room and said hello to everyone. She stepped in to say hello.

See also: step

step in (to the breach)

Fig. [for someone] to assume a position or take on a responsibility when there is a need or an opportunity to do so. The person who was supposed to help didn't show up, so I stepped into the breach. The manager stepped into the breach when Jane got sick.

See also: step

step in

to become involved An outside buyer stepped in to save the company.

Related vocabulary: step up to the plate

See also: step

step in

Enter into an activity or situation; also, intervene. For example, The business was doing poorly until Stan stepped in, or They are going to make a mess of the mailing unless someone steps in and shows them what to do . [Late 1400s] Also see step into.

See also: step

step in

v.

1. To enter into an activity or a situation: A substitute stepped in for the injured player.

2. To intervene: The government stepped in to end the strike.

See also: step