Sidestep
/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/noun
To move sideways to avoid something, or to avoid dealing with an issue directly.
Did you know?Although it sounds ancient, *sidestep* is a relatively modern English compound, born from the simple act of stepping aside—proof that everyday motion can become a metaphor for evasion and control.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
steppan
“to step, tread, or move by foot”
Old English
OE
sīde
“side, flank, lateral part”
Early Modern English
English
side step
“a step to one side; a sideways movement”
19th Century
English
sidestep
“to step aside; to evade or avoid directly confronting something”
Modern English
English
sidestep
“to avoid or evade by indirect action”