Definition of step in English:

step

nounPlural steps stɛpstɛp

1An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running.
跨步，步子
Ron took a step back
罗恩后退了一步。
she turned and retraced her steps
她转过身又折了回去。
Example sentencesExamples
- He took a slow step backward, and then fell flat onto his back.
- She closed the distance in a few steps and turned around.
- Make your advances and retreats take as little time as possible, even if this means taking shorter steps.
- I took a couple of tentative steps inside, when the door suddenly slammed behind me.
- She made her way across the massive Headmaster's office, taking slow, calm steps to the door.
- He took short shuffling steps and shook his considerable bulk with each one.
- The waiter took a short step backwards, the cheese bowl clattered on the table
- The bleachers echoed in the distance from our rough steps.
- But when I walk out from the shore, tiny purple crabs run for cover at my first step.
- By 1946 he could only get around by taking taxi rides, a few steps would make him short of breath.
- The pigeon took a couple of steps to the side, and then turned himself round to look behind him.
- May took her arm, and they began to walk with small steps towards the exit.
- I remember, as a very young boy, seeing the headlines, and amazing photos, of Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the surface of the moon.
- Slowly, he strolls away from his house in the direction of Third Street, turning his head every couple of steps.
- Then retrace your steps for a short distance and turn left.
- Clip it on, and then track steps taken, miles covered, and calories burned.
- He then proceeded taking the few steps towards the massive front doors of the palace, which slowly opened, as he got nearer.
- Chad made it to the door in a few short and choppy steps, and yanked it open.
- There was some falling and some grabbing at us, but pretty quickly he'd managed to take a couple of successful steps.
- And she doesn't even have to move much, just a quick twist or a step away is all she needs.
Synonyms
pace, footstep, stride
footstep, footfall, tread, tramp
1. 1.1 The distance covered by a step.
  一步的距离，步长
  Richard came a couple of steps nearer
  理查德又向前走近了几步。
  Example sentencesExamples
  This isn't really a weblog, but it's only a couple of steps removed from one.
  We have a man always on the scene, never, never more than a step away from instantaneously covering a story.
  Gradually move the starting distances back a couple of steps at a time.
  These are used to determine trip lengths in time and distance in subsequent steps.
  Moving back a few steps, Christian geared himself up and made a run for the door, hitting it against his shoulder.
  De Vere backed up several steps toward the side staircase.
  Her entire body shaking, feet suddenly heavy, she struggled to walk the few steps to the front of the house.
  The person was made to carry a bag on his or her back a certain distance, sometimes three steps or across three thresholds.
  Michael managed to shuffle a couple of steps to his right and get one arm back inside the building.
  The effect is so unsettling that I stumble back a couple of steps.
  Maggie looked over at Jen and got up, quickly covering the few steps to gently embrace her daughter.
  I would walk three big steps towards the mat, and then jump as high as I could.
  He stopped just a few steps short of leaving this apartment, possibly forever.
  I was only a couple of steps away, but something below me, at about waist level, was blocking my way.
  We were overwhelmed and forced a couple of steps backwards as the hordes flooded past us.
2. 1.2usually in singular A person's particular way of walking.
  步态，步姿
  she left the room with a springy step
  她步态轻盈地离开房间。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Life had to be faced head-on and, that too with a spring in the step!
  As I walked up the stairs I slowed my steps, smiling at the echo of the staircase.
  It was not just the prospect of receiving a spanking-new car that put a spring in the step.
  They were not long in coming, and the quick light step of Mel was followed by the slow tread of Bridget.
  We set off with a springing step - me particularly - as I had left most of the contents of my small pack at the hut.
  Since he took on his role at the end of last year, he has been saying things which have put a new spring in the step of anti-grammar school campaigners.
  That is why, judging by the spring in the step of the Feel-Goods, it will take more than another quarter point rise in rates to spoil their mood.
  Between the milk and the caffeine it puts a spring in your step.
  Whatever it is, it works beautifully and is sure to put a spring in anyone's step.
  This is not a recipe for a sunny visage and a spring in the step.
  There was a spring in the step of mums and their toddlers at a Bexleyheath playgroup.
  There is a definite spring in the step of Jim as he continues his canvass of the constituency.
  To me he appeared to have grown less springy of step, heavier in body, less keen of eye.
  The second half had to be better and thankfully there was an extra spring in City's step when they came out.
  It's put a little spring in my step knowing that sport can do that to a couple of countries that haven't been getting on so well.
  Men whose step has slowed are thinking of boys they knew when they were boys together.
  The floor was covered in thick, burgundy carpet, which seemed to add an extra spring to one's step.
  There is a spring in the step as the city grooves to a new beat.
  You get an air of invincibility about you and that, as much as any training, puts a spring back in the step.
  Nowadays, there is a new spring in the step of Clare folk, new talk of a new team, a new manager, a new era.
  Synonyms
  gait, walk, way of walking, tread, bearing, carriage
3. 1.3 Each of the sequences of movement of the feet which make up a dance.
  舞步
  Example sentencesExamples
  The choir holds dance workshops and steps are choreographed as a group.
  He coped well with his large assortment of jumping steps, as well as multiple pirouettes which were all danced with ease.
  On the other hand, she notes that the women are now doing her steps, her choreography.
  They did this all in slow motion, slowly and carefully, as if learning all the steps to a dance routine.
  It hadn't taken Todd long to pick up on the dance steps; to Rachel's surprise Todd had a knack for dancing.
  In a technical and physical challenge, the dancers perform Peking opera gestures and movements at the same time as they dance ballet steps.
  While Williams made her way brilliantly through its forest of steps, the dance was more demanding than affecting.
  He has also written concert music that's spacious and flows without a step being danced to it.
  They are imitating the complex dance steps and hand jives that the group perform in their videos.
  At first, the image of Astaire trying to acclimate to the unusual steps of Indian dance is humorous.
  Importantly, during her explanation, she demonstrates dance steps that convey events in the narrative.
  After that, they chose and combined the movements with modern dance steps.
  She has even mastered some ballroom dance steps, which form part of the choreographed routines for the show.
  I have monitored the progress of modern dance steps over the past three decades.
  So it's especially hard to believe that she once found it difficult to do a dance step and snap her fingers at the same time.
  You cannot experience the dance just by knowing the sequence of steps.
  The pace is fast and the choreography can be tricky, with steps and arm movements often deliberately at odds with each other.
  A ‘hyperactive’ only child, she would spend her time milking her parents' cows and practising her ballet steps.
  My ladies and I were having a wonderful afternoon, practicing dance steps.
  Learning hula steps and motions and dancing every day is a great way to keep a body flexible while enjoying Hawaiian music.
  Synonyms
  metre, cadence, rhythm, foot
4. 1.4 A short or easily walked distance.
  短距离，近距离；步行的距离
  the market is only a short step from the lake
  那市场离湖尾很近。
  Synonyms
  short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance
  informal {a hop, skip, and a jump}
2A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another.
梯级，台阶
the bottom step of the staircase
楼梯的最底级。
a flight of marble steps
一段大理石的台阶。
Example sentencesExamples
- The café is on two levels separated by shallow steps.
- She took her daughter's carrier out of the car and handed it to Lara so she could grab the bags and walk up the three steps to the front porch.
- I carried the plastic tray with the curried cheese pieces down the steps to the basement, a glass of milk held in the crook of my arm.
- Wendy saw Dr. Maddox out of the corner of her eye at the bottom step of a stairway leading to a second floor.
- Milo moved in for one last kiss, then he turned and walked down the porch steps, moving towards his car.
- When I opened the door, Kay was sitting on the bottom step of the grand staircase.
- She didn't have the opportunity to read his expression for long either as he turned and marched across the yard and up the steps to his flat.
- Aidan was the first to climb up the small steps to the upper level.
- Before James got suspicious, I got out of the car and walked up towards the front steps as the last bus rolled away.
- Cut into the granite is a steep, gradually narrowing staircase, with some steps almost one foot high.
- This is fitted with wall to wall wardrobes and is also partially split level, with steps leading to the en suite shower room.
- Amanda nervously walked up the front steps of the twins' large house.
- The first thing we both did when we got back was make a beeline for the staircase, each of us putting a foot on the bottom step at the same time.
- My pool had steps instead of ladders, so you didn't really have to climb.
- There is an extensive lawn to the rear laid out over two levels with steps leading up to a hard tennis court.
- I walked up the front steps to our house, carrying my bag behind me.
- The sound of someone moving noisily up the steps attracted Margaret's attention.
- At exactly six-thirty that evening, I walked up the steps of Lydia's front porch to ring her doorbell.
- They walked up the steps and paused in front of a wooden door that appeared, to Justin at least, very menacing and inhibiting.
- Ahead, at the end of the path, steps led up to double doors standing open.
Synonyms
stair, tread, tread board
(steps), stairs, staircase, stairway
North American stoop
1. 2.1 A doorstep.
  门阶
  there was a pint of milk on the step
  在门阶上有一品脱牛奶。
  Example sentencesExamples
  At Lowther Drive it was a similar story at 10am as front gardens were flooded and water inched towards peoples' front steps.
  Milk bottles were still on the step and the dogs and sheep had not been fed.
  He turned onto his front step, then decided against it and walked along the driveway to the carport.
  Synonyms
  doorstep, sill
2. 2.2 A rung of a ladder.
  （梯子的）梯级，横档
  Example sentencesExamples
  I climbed down the steps of my ladder after shoving my new diary under my mattress.
  She screeched as she held on to one of the steps of the steel ladder.
  He jumps down, missing the last three steps of the ladder and landing right behind her.
  Synonyms
  rung, tread
3. 2.3British A stepladder.
  the steps are in the outhouse
  Example sentencesExamples
  He listed a couple of folding camp chairs, a pair of steps, and a number of coats hanging up.
  He raced to the home of Mrs Caulfield's sister where he also found Mr Caulfield collapsed under a pair of steps.
4. 2.4mass noun Step aerobics.
  跑步有氧健身法
  as modifier a step class
  Example sentencesExamples
  This works well with all kinds of group exercise classes, not just step.
  With just a few months to go, Annie is preparing for the trip by walking and taking up step classes at her local gym.
  You might want to try putting a few days between your strength training and step workouts.
  The Tuesday class is step and toning and Thursdays class will be a total body workout.
  We have had special step classes put on so we could get the hang of it all quicker!
  The Tuesday class is step and abdominals while the Thursday class is a total body workout.
  In a step class, the calorie burn correlates in part with step height.
  The muscular contractions it takes to smile are akin to putting your facial muscles through a 45-minute step class.
  This class is for ladies only and includes step aerobics, weights, stretching, etc.
  Gyms schedule tai chi and yoga instruction in addition to the more traditional aerobics and step classes.
  I was keen on joining because of all the classes, but I've only ever done one - step - on the first weekend it was open.
  While increasing the tempo in your step class may augment intensity, it can also increase the risk of injury.
  Another benefit: step plus resistance means fewer trips to the gym for separate sessions.
  I frequently see women at my gym take two spinning or step classes in a row.
  He indulged in boxing and martial arts, taught aerobics and step classes, and enjoyed running.
5. 2.5Climbing A foothold cut in a slope of ice.
  〔登山〕（在倾斜的冰上凿出的）踏脚处，立足处
3A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing.
措施，手段
the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination
政府必须采取措施来制止年龄歧视。
a major step forward in the fight for justice
反恐怖斗争的重大举措。
Example sentencesExamples
- The unit have now provided employers with information about how to carry out assessments and practical steps to reduce sound levels.
- He said the company was currently investigating whether steps could be taken to inform former members of staff of the situation.
- He said the defendant made out a number of cheques in various sums which he cashed for himself and then took steps to cover his tracks.
- The first step was to level the area where the gazebo would be located and set the support columns in concrete.
- It was at this point that he took the bold step of moving to Iwama.
- Such reports have declined in recent years as industry has taken steps to reduce formaldehyde levels.
- He said he was pleased the officers had taken steps to protect shoppers who spend hard-earned cash on poor-quality fakes.
- The next step is to add milk but milk is dangerous and the date stamps are often confusing.
- Once you have identified slow code, the next step is to address those issues.
- He checks his high blood sugar level daily and takes steps to control it, using insulin injections, diet and exercise.
- The anti-begging campaign comes as York's city centre manager takes steps to identify legitimate buskers.
- After such an emergency you would want to ensure steps were taken to cover such emergencies in future.
- My plan was moving a little quicker than anticipated so I decided to take things slow after the next step.
- However, council bosses stressed that year-on-year benefits processing was improving thanks to the steps taken by management.
- U.S. presidents knew about UFO crash retrievals right from the start and took steps to cover up the evidence.
- We extend best wishes this week to a local couple taking the big step.
- The lender should also be ashamed that it took no effective steps to help the couple.
- So for a president contemplating his place in American history, there is currently no strong pressure to take bold steps.
- For the author whose literary career began on a slow train to Manchester, it was a huge step.
- But people are taking steps beyond moving cows or horses out of harms way.
Synonyms
course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative
manoeuvre, tactic, strategy, stratagem, operation
French démarche
take action, take measures, act, take the initiative, move
1. 3.1 A stage in a gradual process.
  步骤，阶段
  sales are up, which is a step in the right direction
  销售在上升，这是向正确方向发展的一个步骤。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The main purpose of our work was to study the initial alignment of cell membranes to foreign surfaces as an early step of adhesion.
  Once their physical wounds are healed, the next logical step for the women will be justice.
  We can do finer and finer grain experiments, but at each step of the way, is not our best model one which is digital?
  Myself, I believe that legalising cannabis will be just another step closer to losing the battle with class A drug abuse.
  The next step is for the horse to learn how to go slower and collect from the leg - and thus truly accept the leg.
  The sound of piped classical music floating through the air at a Billericay Railway Station is a step closer following a donation by local councillors.
  Campaigners claim the final deal will actually mark a step backwards from the position before the summit started.
  It felt like the first step on a slippery slope to mounting debt.
  She is proud of her accomplishments, and positive about the next step of the campaign, but even she did not get the answers she was seeking.
  Using several drugs to block HIV at different steps of its life cycle is more effective than any one medication.
  I'm always a step ahead of the musicians - I'm showing them where the music needs to go and why.
  The next step involves the external fitting of the safety, beavertail and mainspring housing.
  It surely didn't happen overnight, and as near as I can determine, it came in several, very gradual steps.
  Today Britain's railways are a step closer to being run by and for the nation.
  Therefore, the government will proceed with the next step of the recall process.
  Strike action on Scotland's railways came a step closer yesterday after the main union rejected an above inflation pay rise.
  Purists, however, might regard arranging a Schubert string quartet for chamber orchestra as a step too far.
  They determine the steps of the interaction process that are supposed to lead to consensus between the agents.
  If this is true, then we expect to find traces of intermediate steps of this turnover process within these regions.
  They want it over and done with so that they can get on with the next step of their rebuilding process.
  Synonyms
  advance, progression, development, step in the right direction, step forward, move, movement
  breakthrough
2. 3.2 A particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale.
  级别，等级
  the first step on the managerial ladder
  管理层次的最低级别。
  Example sentencesExamples
  I had good management, good coaching, it improved my game and put me on the first step on the ladder I suppose.
  Her successor says beatification, the step just short of sainthood, will be important not just for her order.
  The fact is, every mentally capable person looks at entry-level jobs as a first step on the economic ladder.
  A first home is a step on the ladder, it's never the end goal or the dream home, and is rarely where you'd genuinely like it to be.
  But you can't rest on your laurels - you must create your CV to get yourself on the next step of the ladder.
  The thrust of the report is that existing housing policy does not come anywhere near meeting demand for an affordable first step on the ownership ladder.
  He eventually reached Premier One division, just a step below professional level.
  Second, clerical work no longer served as the first step on the ladder into management.
  At least I knew and understood where I stood with men; namely several steps further down the ladder.
  I also met with scores of Iraqis from all steps of the socioeconomic ladder and all of the major ethnic and religious groups.
  No-one was sponsoring me for this race and it is merely the first step on the ladder to the big one.
  Indeed, in many cultures to be a musician is just a few steps above a beggar.
  The spiralling cost of property has also meant that, for young families, this is usually the first step on the property ladder.
  Synonyms
  stage, level, grade, rank, degree
  phase
  notch
4North American Music
An interval in a scale; a tone (whole step) or semitone (half step).
〔乐〕〈主美〉音级；全音；半音
Example sentencesExamples
- This scale divides the octave into six equal steps, each a whole tone apart.
5Physics
An abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage.
〔物理〕（量值，尤指电压的）突然改变落差
Example sentencesExamples
- It is possible that each of two generators produces a spark at the same time during a voltage step.
- Excitation of a suspension of such vesicles with a flash of light generated a voltage step across the membrane.
- At 0 mV, sparks appeared at the beginning of the voltage step with a probability of unity.
- The ionization step needed to create an ultracold plasma is performed using nanosecond laser pulses.
- Single channel responses to voltage steps were simulated using the Noise Simulation program.
6A block fixed to a boat's keel in order to take the base of a mast or other fitting.
桅座
Example sentencesExamples
- The hull was modified in 1995 to include two ventilated steps, a keel pad and notched transom.

verbstepped, stepping, steps stɛpstɛp

1no object, with adverbial Lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position.
跨步走
Claudia tried to step back
克劳迪亚尽力大步往后退。
I accidentally stepped on his foot
我不小心踩到他的脚上。
Example sentencesExamples
- I scale the stairs quickly as possible, stepping over sitting persons, avoiding an obstacle course of beer bottles.
- John moved across the small area slowly, occasionally stepping on her feet.
- I turned around and jumped back into Anna, stepping on her foot.
- He set me back on my feet and I stepped aside to allow him entrance.
- Running his hands through his hair, Guy approaches the ladder and steps onto the bottom rung.
- When I stepped on his foot, not accidentally, he winced in pain and let go of me.
- The young man stepped closer and Lane caught a better look at him.
- Moments later the door swung open and a young military nurse stepped into the room.
- At the bottom of the stairs in the morning, I stepped into two feet of freezing cold water and we decided to evacuate the family.
- He swooped down and plucked me off my feet, stepping onto the porch.
- A young man stepped into the firelight, his face partly obscured by tumbles of dark brown hair.
- I had recently injured my foot by stepping on a laptop plug.
- If they are successful, the men will step ashore for the first time in four months when they reach the coast of California.
- I suppose everyone who worked with horses will have had their foot accidentally stepped on.
- When I open the door so she can take a breather she very seldom steps over the sill.
- Shakespeare has been with us in Aotearoa since Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1769.
- Wendy had just lifted her foot to step over to the next joist, and the sudden noise made her startle badly.
- This was soon to change: a crash course in the Greek language and culture saw him stepping from the plane in Athens six months later.
- The young man quickly stepped away from the door, pulling it open for his fellow student.
- At the back of the church, people stepped over a well-dressed young man who seemed unconscious.
Synonyms
walk, move, tread, pace, stride
tread, stamp, trample, tramp
squash, crush, flatten
1. 1.1as imperative Used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose.
  行走（用于礼貌或恭敬地请某人为某种目的作短距离行走）
  please step this way
  请往这边走。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Calmly but firmly insist on stepping into a private office or conference room where you will attend to his concerns.
  Well now that the mushy stuff is out of the way, would you mind stepping into my office?
  Just shy of an hour after I got in, my manager came in and asked me to step into his office when I had a chance.
2. 1.2step itdated Perform a dance.
  〈旧〉跳舞
  they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers
  他们在一排排的跳舞者中间舞到房间的另一头。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Hearing of my trophy for ballroom dancing, the ladies present asked me to step it out with them.
  Teresa Dunne and her very talented step dancing group will also be stepping it out on the boards.
  Here's the girl, clueless at how to begin stepping it with the dance partner.
  The happy couple took to the maple floor and were at peace as they stepped it out and danced to their hearts content.
  It was then time for more dancing and the gathering took to the floor and stepped it out to strains of Sean Wisley and his band.
  Synonyms
  dance, jig, leap, jump, skip, bounce
3. 1.3 Take a particular course of action.
  做，采取行动
  he stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from his old club
  他不顾自己已退休，仍然接听一个来自其已往负责的俱乐部的求救电话。
  Example sentencesExamples
  At 28 he's young enough to make some impact on the division but unless he steps outside Thailand he'll never get it done.
  In doing so, this set of articles steps squarely into the current debate.
  He has held pop concerts across China in the shortest period after stepping into stardom.
  He plays a lawyer who must step beyond the office and mounting files.
2Nautical
with object Set up (a mast) in its step.
〔航海〕竖立（桅杆）于桅座上
Example sentencesExamples
- The cruiser fleet was refloated at the club slipway on Good Friday last and the masts were stepped on Saturday morning.
- In our first trials we found that the mast could be safely stepped on a single standard frame.
- Gotheborg will remain alongside fitting out and stepping her masts and rigging before starting sea trials in early 2004.
- With the ship in the water, its time now to step the mast and attend to the rigging.

Phrases

break step

Stop walking or marching in step with others.
停止齐步走
they walked past me without even breaking step
Example sentencesExamples
- Neither of them broke step as they walked with their heads up but eyes down.
- Passers-by in this northern suburb in the foothills of Iran's Elborz Mountains are few, and most walk past without breaking step.
- They were all of different heights and strides yet they never broke step.
- Then they break step and disperse over Southwark Bridge, chatting and slouching.

fall into step

Change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person.
调整步伐，齐步行进
Paul fell into step beside Bill
Example sentencesExamples
- He fell into step beside me and took my hand as we walked to our classes.
- Nick waited for the rest of them to walk past him and fell into step with Crystal.
- He fell into step beside me and we walked on in silence.
- ‘Hey Jen,’ he says with a smile, and falls into step beside me as I walk down the hall to Calculus.
- After school, he came up to me as I was walking home, and fell into step beside me.
- Maria nodded slowly, and then fell into step beside us.
- Interested, I fell into step behind them as they walked.
- Christie nodded, and I fell into step beside her as we walked down the hallway.
- I started walking back up along the trail, and Butler fell into step beside me.
- He slowly opened his eyes as he walked forward, falling into step beside his sister.

in (or out of) step

1Putting (or not putting) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with.
（不）与他人一起走齐步（或合拍跳舞）
Example sentencesExamples
- Nowadays, players are slouching, walking out of step, and passing around water bottles.
- I heard no distinct word as I passed but a few minutes later when they arose, clasped hands and walked away perfectly in step with one another, I breathed a sigh of relief for them.
- At one point, young Erin hurried forward to march in step with the Captain.
- Even the guys who were in the class were in step and in rhythm!
- Walking down the street beside him, you would notice from time to time his nimble little skip as he changed feet to keep in step.
- Among the delegates were German veterans and blind ones from France; some of the vets, protesting the political and military madness of the First World War, refused to march in step.
- Twenty-one young children from the local schools marched in step, each child carrying a rose.
- Many now in their 80s, they marched in step, medals glinting in the sun at the end of a long, hot day.
- We headed back up the stairs, then once outside the Media Center, we somehow managed to all start walking side-by-side, in step - it was slightly disturbing.
- Protectively placing an arm around his mother's shoulders, Michael walks in step with her to the drawing room.
1. 1.1Conforming (or not conforming) to what others are doing or thinking.
  〈喻〉（不）一致，（不）协调
  the party is clearly out of step with voters
  很明显，那个党派与投票人不协调。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The ordinary American continues to be splendidly out of step with the Chattering Classes.
  It has also given the impression that Britain is acting detrimentally to the general European interest and is the only country marching out of step.
  England remained out of step with Europe, at least those countries that were Catholic, for more than 200 years and during that time grew to be the most powerful and commercially prosperous nation on earth.
  If his vanity premiership gets too far out of step with what the party wants, he won't get the chance to serve a full term.
  That's where art was heading, so he was a little out of step with the intellectual movement.
  For too long Glasgow has been out of step with the rest of Scotland which complies far more readily with copyright law.
  At present, they are all out of step with the vast majority of British people.
  The problem with that, of course, is that those opposition parties are out of step with 82 percent of New Zealanders.
  The ethnic make-up of Woolwich will certainly put that shop out of step with the local community.
  Are they going to boot him out of office if he doesn't march in step?
  Synonyms
  in accord, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, in accordance, in consensus, in consilience
  at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony, at loggerheads, in opposition, at outs
2. 1.2(of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena) having (or not having) the same frequency and always in the same phase.
  〔物理〕（两个或多个振动或别的循环现象）（不）同步
  many oscillations trace out the same pattern but necessarily in step
  Example sentencesExamples
  But if the second note is sharpened slightly, say to 445 Hz, a note of some intermediate pitch is heard that pulsates in loudness as the peaks and troughs of the two waves drift in and out of step.
  If they are in step (in phase, the physicists say), then crest coincides constructively with crest, giving maximum mutual reinforcement.
  Over time, the quantum waves that accompany the different flavors get out of step, and an electron neutrino seems to morph into a muon neutrino or a tau neutrino and back again.
  In that case, when the length of one of the arms changes the tiniest bit, the beams will be more in step and produce some light when combined.

follow (or tread) in someone's steps

Do as someone else did, especially in making a journey or following a career.
（尤指旅行或事业上）踏着…的脚步走；效法…的样子，步…的后尘
many of these youngsters hoped to follow in the steps of Gascoigne
Example sentencesExamples
- Now, in cities everywhere there are restaurants following in Alice's steps, providing a market for more and more local producers.
- A large number of scholars followed in their steps and adhered to their tradition.
- This is the type of enthusiastic striving that gives flavour to to life and motivates others to follow in our steps.
- You must learn that I will not follow in your steps.
- I thought: does this mean he will follow in Howard's steps if elected?
- It will be a record because no-one else has done it and there are no plans for anyone else to follow in his steps.
- Poland is a significant wine consumer, too, and the Czech Republic has been following in its steps for the past two years.
- We can thank Dr Henry Morris and others who have followed in his steps for this.
- The junior race sees six thousand young people taking part in the biggest junior event in the UK, raising hopes that a new crop of champion distance runners will follow in Paula Radcliffe's steps.
- Patsy followed in Larry's steps and made a life in the land down-under, also in Perth, with his wife Blanche.
Synonyms
emulate, copy, take as a model, model oneself on, take as a pattern, pattern oneself after, pattern oneself on, follow the example of, take as an example, take as a role model, take after, follow, follow in someone's footsteps, follow in someone's steps

keep step

Remain walking, marching, or dancing in step.
齐步前进；合拍跳舞
they marched up and down the parade ground, keeping step with the regimental band
Example sentencesExamples
- And if a company's biggest threat is keeping step with competitors and getting a product to market within six months, then spending money on disaster recovery might even be an imprudent use of resources.
- Weak as my limbs were I managed to keep step with Nick, though I believe he purposely slowed his pace to accommodate me.
- However, Jude had an infuriating way of keeping step with her.
- What's more, the tomography must be able to keep step with the production cycle.
- I started to speed up my step as well and Ben in turn tried to keep step with me.
- He may be tall and a little lanky and have a propensity to put his foot in it but when it comes to keeping step on a fast paced political dance floor, Bobby didn't miss a beat.
- And he definitely didn't notice the figure keeping step with him, watching him curiously.
- Trade in bulk goods will tend to keep step with the boundaries of military-political interaction, but luxury trade can easily outpace them.
- With the regimentation of battle tactics and the increasing importance of the need to keep step, drummers became an essential part of European armies.
- We have to change the interpretation of the rules to keep step with market forces.

watch one's step

Used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully.
走路小心；行动小心（用作警告）
you'd better watch your step with him—he's not as innocent as he looks
mind your step—the path's a bit steep
Example sentencesExamples
- When walking, however much you love the city, watch your step as well as looking up at the buildings
- If you don't obey the higher law of prudence by watching your step on an icy day, you will be compelled to obey the lower law of gravity.
- I walk down the hall watching my step so I don't bump into anyone and turn into the next corridor; the food court lies ahead.
- The best way to describe it is to say that it feels like walking on a small boat - you have to watch your step and sometimes you feel sick.
- They know it is an environment where you have to watch your step.
- It's the defense's job to make sure that the prosecution watch their boundaries, watches their step.
- Who were you thinking of instead of watching your step, Evie?
- Tanya went down the stairs, watching her step carefully.
- I guess I'll just have to watch my step extra carefully, especially when it come to Annette.
- And should such claims be advanced, what other social contracts and vows might be up for re-examination, what other unrewarding social institutions would have to start watching their step?
Synonyms
be careful, take care, step carefully, step cautiously, walk carefully, walk cautiously, tread carefully, tread cautiously, exercise care, exercise caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, watch oneself, be wary, be circumspect, be chary, take heed, be attentive, be on one's guard, have one's wits about one, keep one's wits about one, be on the qui vive

one step ahead

Managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something.
尽量避免同…的竞争；设法避开危险
I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff
我尽量避免同其他工作人员的竞争。
Example sentencesExamples
- At the end of the day, in our attempt to go one step ahead, we have ended up two steps behind.
- Indeed, for much of the film Kenny's strategizing seems to be one step ahead of the others.
- It was also a race to keep one step ahead of the game.
- With the new press in full operation, Stewart is now turning his mind to his next investment in his bid to stay one step ahead of the competition.
- We need to be proactive, one step ahead of the competition - an international leader.
- Wherever I go, church-wise, I always seem to be one step ahead in vision or desire of where the church is at.
- That policy is all part of his drive to stay one step ahead.
- Julie, a trainee nurse, is already one step ahead of her husband, having taken part in a similar ladies-only event.
- In the good old days, organised crime figures in the United States were cagey, one step ahead of the law at every turn.
- Against these diminishing odds, Jake and his crew must stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the cops to finally settle their debt.

one (or a) step at a time

So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next.
逐步地
he's taking everything one step at a time
Example sentencesExamples
- The successful add-ons were built one step at a time.
- If he is to resurrect his career, he will need to take it one step at a time.
- For me, this is just another competition, and I have to take everything one step at a time.
- I want to take things one step at a time.
- It seems like a long, drawn out process, but if you take things a step at a time, you should be able to create something that you will be able to proudly say you did yourself.
- My advice to anyone taking on a project like this is to take it a step at a time.
- I've always taken my career one step at a time.

one step forward and two steps back

Used to describe a situation in which any progress made is counterbalanced by much greater setbacks.
with corporate reform it is a case of one step forward and two steps back
Example sentencesExamples
- His recent promotion represents progress for a sport that too often takes one step forward and two steps back.
- Whenever you're developing a particular area of your game, sometimes it is one step forward and two steps back.
- It will take time but as soldiers we understand sometimes you take one step forward and two steps back.
- Until the last few weeks I thought things had got better but it seems we take one step forward and two steps back.
- This isn't always the case but it is wise to remember that tweaking hi-fi can sometimes be a case of one step forward and two steps back.
- It really seems like one step forward and two steps back in looking at our past efforts.
- Each day, football goes one step forward and two steps back because of football officials who disregard the basic rules of the game.
- Nothing worked, and we spent two decades taking one step forward and two steps back.

step by step

So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next.
逐步地
I'll explain it to you step by step
我会一步步地解释给你听。
as modifier a step-by-step guide
渐进指南。
Example sentencesExamples
- She loved pranks, but they had to be carefully planned out, step by step, whereas he just did it.
- Your mind and body will find it a lot easier to receive the changes if you make them step by step rather than all in one go in the hope that they will fit together nicely in the swing.
- Sarah has written a book about their experiences with a step by step guide for people wanting to do it themselves.
- And it lays out step by step what was done to assemble this bomb and deliver this bomb.
- He guides you step by step through comprehensive and easy to follow instructions.
- Pat got right down to business, taking the group step by step through the fundamentals of writing poetry.
- Now in a step by step guide, I'll show you how I can achieve this.
- They followed this step by step guide to equipment and software applications at their own speed.
- The software contains lesson plans, which enable the teacher to cover each of these elements step by step.
- The exhibits suggested ways and means to reduce weight step by step.
Synonyms
one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily, slowly but surely

step into someone's shoes

Take control of a task or job from another person.
接替…的职位（或工作）
he failed to notice the ambitious young men waiting to step into his shoes
Example sentencesExamples
- She may be stepping into Boyle's shoes, but she won't be taking his revolutionary approach.
- But this week, the majority of those drivers returned to their posts and learner drivers did not step into their shoes as intended.
- Over the past few years we have managed to put about half-a-dozen dealers behind bars but there are always successors ready to step into their shoes.
- House sitters not only help deter your home from being the target of a burglary, but they step into your shoes and take care of the small things on a day to day basis.
- Later this month he steps into Gene Kelly's shoes in the £500,000 stage version of Oscar winning film, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre.
- He stepped into her shoes once before, when she had to pull out due to family crises.
- He has already stepped into Kenyon 's shoes once before, replacing him as deputy chief executive three years ago.
- As soon as my father was gone, Nick stepped into his shoes.
- Who has the authority, the sheer gravitas, to step into his shoes?
- The man stepping into his shoes, however, is no shadowy unknown.
Synonyms
deputize, act, act as deputy, substitute, act as substitute, act as stand-in, fill in, sit in, do duty, take over, act as understudy, act as locum, do a locum, be a proxy, cover, provide cover, hold the fort, step into the breach

step on it

informal Go faster, typically in a motor vehicle.
〈非正式〉赶快；加快车速，踩油门
if we don't step on it, the pub will have closed for the afternoon
Example sentencesExamples
- Our hero stepped on it and took us all on a high speed chase.
- The driver seemed to be really stepping on it as the bus gained speed very fast.
- You begin at a dead stop, cop cars piled up maybe eleven inches off your rear bumper waiting patiently for you to step on it and try to make a getaway.
Synonyms
hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick

step out of line

Behave inappropriately or disobediently.
偏离常规地做，不合要求地做
if you step out of line once more you're fired!
Example sentencesExamples
- They taught me to let people know when they step out of line.
- The first is the drill-sergeant type of manager who believes regimented procedure is the best method to ensure no player steps out of line.
- Players are so in fear of stepping out of line off the pitch they are far from relaxed by the time they step onto it.
- If your boy steps out of line, do not reason or cajole.
- Now at least we will all know if she steps out of line and how to take action.
- There would have been a massive fine if anyone was found to have stepped out of line in the way of drinking and fighting.
- We've encouraged the Environment Agency to be tight in their management of what's going on and I know they will act if the company steps out of line.
- Stevens will now have to watch his back as hundreds of leaflets bearing his face, name and the areas he is banned from, are distributed by police so residents can report him if he steps out of line.
- Now while the arrest numbers are high, police really showing a zero tolerance attitude for anybody who steps out of line.
- If a player steps out of line then he gets hauled over the coals.

step up to the plate

Take action in response to an opportunity or crisis.
Example sentencesExamples
- Make sure your congressman steps up to the plate.
- It's everyone's responsibility to step up to the plate and strive to get what they want while giving others what they want in return.
- I've really stepped up to the plate on this album.
- And we want people stepping up to the plate to be vaccinated if they're in a priority group.
- And we have a very important role to play, but are just so grateful with everyone who's stepping up to the plate to contribute their assets to help with the problem.
- The federal authorities need to step up to the plate and face their responsibility.
- They're great Americans and they're stepping up to the plate.
- The president has boldly stepped up to the plate.
- However, the association also demanded that the government play a role in the consumer crisis, and openly chided it for not stepping up to the plate.
- The space program is in complete disarray and no one is stepping up to the plate and trying to find a solution.

Phrasal Verbs

step aside

Withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
下台，退出；辞职
he has stepped aside as adviser to both firms

step back

Mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively.
退一步以便更客观地思考
I have had to step back and take an honest look at my way of working
Example sentencesExamples
- Think about how difficult it is for some couples to step back from passion to consider contraception.
- He couldn't help stepping back and looking at the absurdity of his situation.
- Not once did he step back to draw together various pieces and put them into a single theory.
- To do this as a nation, we have to step back and view the situation in its totality.
- Maybe if you step back from the situation and see it from a rational point of view you might see that things are not as bad as they seem.
- We are uncomfortable with slow things because we have to step back and consider them.
- M does not step back far enough to allow us to consider the significance of sex as interaction.
- Do you ever feel like stepping back, reviewing what's going on?
- It's about time somebody took a few steps back and realised what country is.
- Over at The Globe and Mail, Kate Taylor steps back and takes a look at the book reviewing debate.

step down

Withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
下台，退出；辞职
he stepped down as party leader
克伦茨先生一星期以前从党魁的位置上退了下来。
Example sentencesExamples
- He announced he was stepping down to accept a law school position in California.
- James has since said he would be stepping down later this year from his position.
- All year Daly had intimated that he was ready to step down and last night reports of his resignation did not come as any surprise.
- I remember the day he told me that he was stepping down from that position.
- He stepped down from office in May this year, ending his second spell as Tory group leader on Doncaster Council.
- Over the next few days he will have to step down from his various positions on SFA committees.
- Last night he decided to step down from his position rather than follow his party's line.
- The real test of a democracy is when an office holder loses an election and steps down.
- He had to step down from the position because of the closure of the shipyards.
- They have been sounded but refused to step down from their respective offices.
Synonyms
resign, stand down, give up one's job, give up one's post, bow out

step something down

Decrease voltage by using a transformer.
（用变压器）降低电压
Example sentencesExamples
- But larger facilities, including malls, campuses and industrial plants, may take power at ‘high tension’ - between 4,800 and 138,000 volts - and then step it down with their own transformers.
- For PSD analysis, the reflector voltage was stepped down in 10 to 12 steps, starting from 30 kV, in order to collect fragment ions from the precursor down to immonium ions.
- AC circuits predominate in the US transmission system because they are compatible with transformers - devices that can step up voltage before electricity is transported or step it down before electricity is distributed to consumers.
- In this case, the supply provides 12V DC power to the case, which has a small internal regulator to step the voltage down to 3.3V and 5V as needed.
- And even if mains electricity was used, the voltage would be stepped down to battery-levels.

step forward

Offer one's help or services.
提供帮助（或服务）
a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team
一家公司已经提出要为这个队提供赞助。
Example sentencesExamples
- Meanwhile, Government sanction has enabled the East Midlands Development Agency to offer allowances for parties stepping forward to help fund the race.
- To Fidel's surprise, his old comrade Che Guevara steps forward, and is duly appointed Finance Minister.
- To the coaches and co-ordinators - thanks for stepping forward when we came asking.
- I share with my sister and mother the doom of always stepping forward when we see something that needs doing that no-one else will own.
- It was at this point the man - who had been seated near to the pair on the train - stepped forward to offer his help.
- This was a case of a courageous individual stepping forward and enabling the Army to police itself.
- It's just a case of being confident, stepping forward and accepting responsibility like a man.
- Unless a major business steps forward in the future, the carnival could also be in jeopardy.
- At press time no student had stepped forward offering to cover the substantial deficit.
- Fourteen candidates stepped forward to jockey for the four available positions.

step in

1Become involved in a difficult situation, especially in order to help.
插手帮助（或干预）
palace officials asked the government to step in
Example sentencesExamples
- The victim had become involved in a fight outside the pub and Miss Ward stepped in.
- Bradford is proving that pupils' exam grades go up when business steps in to help failing local education authorities.
- A while ago I was involved in an incident where I stepped in to help someone who was being spat at by a racist.
- One source close to the club, who did not want to be named, said that club volunteers had stepped in to help but were no substitute.
- It really is time that city hall stepped in to try and salvage the situation!
- By Saturday of last week local African Caribbean churches had stepped in to try to calm the situation down.
- We are too global now to not have a world body that seeks to prevent wars and steps in when they occur.
- One OF York's worst eyesore houses could be in line for a facelift if the city council steps in and forces its owner to sell up.
- But Priya steps in and starts encouraging him and insists that he should cure her of her problem.
- Thus, government steps in and subsidizes premiums to encourage more farmers to join.
Synonyms
intervene, intercede, become involved, get involved, act, take action, take measures, take a hand
1. 1.1Act as a substitute for someone.
  代替，顶替
  Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place
  露西在接到通知后很短的时间内就接替了琼的位置。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Blindside flanker Jim Nicholson is out through injury, so natural replacement Duncan Phillips steps in.
  Neither bothered to turn up and the business editor stepped in to do an admirable job as a late substitute.

step out

1Leave a room or building for a short time.
暂时离开，暂时走开
Mrs Giraud has had to step out for a while, but make yourself at home
Example sentencesExamples
- He had to step out of the room for a moment when the rule was being voted on.
- When a break was called, he stood, smiling, and asked to step out of the room.
- Her husband asked her to step out of the room, which she did.
- When Sidney steps out of the room to take one of many cell phone calls, Harold works up the nerve to go over to the actress and introduce himself.
- He steps out of the room and returns a few minutes later after consulting his manager.
- So, she hands me a fly-swatter, steps out of the room and goes to phone my step-dad to find out where they keep the bug spray.
- I stepped out of the room to grab a couple of beers from the kitchen.
- He thinks a moment, and then steps out of the room.
- Once Alex is washed she steps out into the main room with her shirt done up loosely.
- He was attacked after the class nanny stepped out of the room to change another baby's nappy.
2Go out with.
〈北美，非正式〉与…外出娱乐，与…外出参加社交活动
he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress
他与一个红头发的女服务员一起外出参加聚会。
Example sentencesExamples
- Snogging A-listers and stepping out with celebs could be a career-boosting move for the winners who are still enjoying their first flurry of fame.
- She has since begun stepping out with Josh, probably the coolest rock star around.
- Sarah Reid ponders the new round of rumours suggesting he's stepping out with Sophie Dahl
- What I didn't know at the time was that she had also been stepping out with K on a reasonably regular basis over the last couple of months.
- It seems Rupert's been stepping out with some rich vixen.
- She's now stepping out with a gentleman.
- I'm constantly amazed at the number of gorgeous women who prefer being with a fatty to stepping out with an Adonis.
- He even switched camps, stepping out with a member of Kylie's troop, no less.
- He was a member of a failed boyband and has been stepping out with young Samantha for three years now.
- Turns out he's been snapped stepping out with Star Wars action figurine Natalie Portman and the winsome Winona Ryder.
3Walk with long or vigorous steps.
大步走；健步走
she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully
她喜欢郊游，昂首阔步向前走。
Example sentencesExamples
- I nudged Glory into a trot and he eagerly stepped out, his long strides eating up the ground.
- Weak, disused musculature means I have to saunter and stroll rather than step out briskly.

step out on

Be sexually unfaithful to.
〈美，非正式〉（性关系方面）对…不忠
your mama says Joe is stepping out on you with that strumpet Viola Stokes
Example sentencesExamples
- Because no matter how you look at it, stepping out on your spouse with someone at work is just a bad idea all around.
- She who gives up her safe conduct to berate her husband for stepping out on her.
- And of course you are lucky that Contestant No.1 has not yet discerned that you are stepping out on him.
- Another liked to step out on her partner to smooch with me.

step something up

1Increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something.
增加…的量度（或速度、强度）
police decided to step up security plans for the match
警察决定为比赛加强安全保障。
Example sentencesExamples
- Police are stepping up their war on anti-social behaviour on an estate.
- The visitors were stepping up their game and it was no surprise when they went further ahead in the 59th minute.
- Security patrols have been stepped up in the border area.
- They are stepping up ticketing to clamp down on the vehicles using double yellow lines to park in Southampton city centre.
- Police are now stepping up the campaign to catch the culprit and have asked members of the public to come forward if they know who it is.
- And as the government steps up its efforts to join the euro we can expect more traders sell sterling in anticipation.
- Rowdy revellers and arsonists could see their antics crushed as a drive to tackle residents' worries steps up a gear.
- Police are stepping up their fight against illicit drugs with a pioneering new piece of computer technology.
- This quality threshold is likely to be raised as the organisation steps up its activities as it moves into the private sector.
- From there he drove to his home in Glasgow's west end where his security will be stepped up.
Synonyms
increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate, scale up, boost
speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten
2Increase voltage using a transformer.
（用变压器）降低电压
Example sentencesExamples
- European machines, which operate on electrical standards different from those of U.S. machines, require transformers to step voltages up or down.
- In the pictures you see, it's taking power from an external power supply, stepping it up in voltage, and driving a fluorescent lamp - all at an efficiency of less than 100%.

Derivatives

step-like

adjective

MID is described as having a step-like progress instead of inflicting a continuous decline as in Alzheimer's disease.
Example sentencesExamples
- Faced with an acute shortage of labour at the end of the 1960s, along with escalating costs, growers began to look for alternatives to the tiny, step-like terraces built with high retaining walls in the 19th century.
- If we look around a scene, thinking that our eyes are roaming smoothly, they are, in fact, making a series of step-like shifts of gaze.
- The staggering of the panels creates a step-like effect, which echoes the motion of the dog and emphasizes the painting's disharmonies of scale, color and reference.
- The dark-adapted S. coeruleus cell, when subjected to a step-like increase in light intensity, responds with a depolarizing receptor potential.
- Three beautiful specimens are assigned to this new species, which is characterized by step-like whorls, coarse and prominent collabral costae and spiral caring on the ramp, and a columellar lip with two folds.

Origin

Old English stæpe, stepe (noun), stæppan, steppan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen.

Rhymes

cep, Dieppe, hep, misstep, outstep, pep, prep, rep, schlepp, skep, steppe, strep

Definition of step in US English:

step

nounstɛpstep

1An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running.
跨步，步子
Ron took a step back
罗恩后退了一步。
she turned and retraced her steps
她转过身又折了回去。
Example sentencesExamples
- There was some falling and some grabbing at us, but pretty quickly he'd managed to take a couple of successful steps.
- Clip it on, and then track steps taken, miles covered, and calories burned.
- He then proceeded taking the few steps towards the massive front doors of the palace, which slowly opened, as he got nearer.
- I remember, as a very young boy, seeing the headlines, and amazing photos, of Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the surface of the moon.
- He took short shuffling steps and shook his considerable bulk with each one.
- But when I walk out from the shore, tiny purple crabs run for cover at my first step.
- Then retrace your steps for a short distance and turn left.
- Make your advances and retreats take as little time as possible, even if this means taking shorter steps.
- She closed the distance in a few steps and turned around.
- I took a couple of tentative steps inside, when the door suddenly slammed behind me.
- Chad made it to the door in a few short and choppy steps, and yanked it open.
- May took her arm, and they began to walk with small steps towards the exit.
- The waiter took a short step backwards, the cheese bowl clattered on the table
- The pigeon took a couple of steps to the side, and then turned himself round to look behind him.
- The bleachers echoed in the distance from our rough steps.
- And she doesn't even have to move much, just a quick twist or a step away is all she needs.
- Slowly, he strolls away from his house in the direction of Third Street, turning his head every couple of steps.
- She made her way across the massive Headmaster's office, taking slow, calm steps to the door.
- By 1946 he could only get around by taking taxi rides, a few steps would make him short of breath.
- He took a slow step backward, and then fell flat onto his back.
Synonyms
pace, footstep, stride
footstep, footfall, tread, tramp
1. 1.1 The distance covered by a step.
  一步的距离，步长
  Richard came a couple of steps nearer
  理查德又向前走近了几步。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The person was made to carry a bag on his or her back a certain distance, sometimes three steps or across three thresholds.
  Her entire body shaking, feet suddenly heavy, she struggled to walk the few steps to the front of the house.
  He stopped just a few steps short of leaving this apartment, possibly forever.
  We have a man always on the scene, never, never more than a step away from instantaneously covering a story.
  Gradually move the starting distances back a couple of steps at a time.
  Michael managed to shuffle a couple of steps to his right and get one arm back inside the building.
  These are used to determine trip lengths in time and distance in subsequent steps.
  Maggie looked over at Jen and got up, quickly covering the few steps to gently embrace her daughter.
  Moving back a few steps, Christian geared himself up and made a run for the door, hitting it against his shoulder.
  The effect is so unsettling that I stumble back a couple of steps.
  I was only a couple of steps away, but something below me, at about waist level, was blocking my way.
  De Vere backed up several steps toward the side staircase.
  This isn't really a weblog, but it's only a couple of steps removed from one.
  We were overwhelmed and forced a couple of steps backwards as the hordes flooded past us.
  I would walk three big steps towards the mat, and then jump as high as I could.
2. 1.2usually in singular A person's particular way of walking.
  步态，步姿
  she left the room with a springy step
  她步态轻盈地离开房间。
  Example sentencesExamples
  There is a spring in the step as the city grooves to a new beat.
  Men whose step has slowed are thinking of boys they knew when they were boys together.
  As I walked up the stairs I slowed my steps, smiling at the echo of the staircase.
  There is a definite spring in the step of Jim as he continues his canvass of the constituency.
  They were not long in coming, and the quick light step of Mel was followed by the slow tread of Bridget.
  It's put a little spring in my step knowing that sport can do that to a couple of countries that haven't been getting on so well.
  It was not just the prospect of receiving a spanking-new car that put a spring in the step.
  The second half had to be better and thankfully there was an extra spring in City's step when they came out.
  To me he appeared to have grown less springy of step, heavier in body, less keen of eye.
  You get an air of invincibility about you and that, as much as any training, puts a spring back in the step.
  Whatever it is, it works beautifully and is sure to put a spring in anyone's step.
  Life had to be faced head-on and, that too with a spring in the step!
  There was a spring in the step of mums and their toddlers at a Bexleyheath playgroup.
  We set off with a springing step - me particularly - as I had left most of the contents of my small pack at the hut.
  That is why, judging by the spring in the step of the Feel-Goods, it will take more than another quarter point rise in rates to spoil their mood.
  The floor was covered in thick, burgundy carpet, which seemed to add an extra spring to one's step.
  Nowadays, there is a new spring in the step of Clare folk, new talk of a new team, a new manager, a new era.
  This is not a recipe for a sunny visage and a spring in the step.
  Since he took on his role at the end of last year, he has been saying things which have put a new spring in the step of anti-grammar school campaigners.
  Between the milk and the caffeine it puts a spring in your step.
  Synonyms
  gait, walk, way of walking, tread, bearing, carriage
3. 1.3 One of the sequences of movement of the feet that make up a dance.
  舞步
  Example sentencesExamples
  My ladies and I were having a wonderful afternoon, practicing dance steps.
  I have monitored the progress of modern dance steps over the past three decades.
  At first, the image of Astaire trying to acclimate to the unusual steps of Indian dance is humorous.
  He coped well with his large assortment of jumping steps, as well as multiple pirouettes which were all danced with ease.
  You cannot experience the dance just by knowing the sequence of steps.
  On the other hand, she notes that the women are now doing her steps, her choreography.
  A ‘hyperactive’ only child, she would spend her time milking her parents' cows and practising her ballet steps.
  She has even mastered some ballroom dance steps, which form part of the choreographed routines for the show.
  The choir holds dance workshops and steps are choreographed as a group.
  They are imitating the complex dance steps and hand jives that the group perform in their videos.
  It hadn't taken Todd long to pick up on the dance steps; to Rachel's surprise Todd had a knack for dancing.
  They did this all in slow motion, slowly and carefully, as if learning all the steps to a dance routine.
  In a technical and physical challenge, the dancers perform Peking opera gestures and movements at the same time as they dance ballet steps.
  While Williams made her way brilliantly through its forest of steps, the dance was more demanding than affecting.
  After that, they chose and combined the movements with modern dance steps.
  He has also written concert music that's spacious and flows without a step being danced to it.
  Learning hula steps and motions and dancing every day is a great way to keep a body flexible while enjoying Hawaiian music.
  Importantly, during her explanation, she demonstrates dance steps that convey events in the narrative.
  So it's especially hard to believe that she once found it difficult to do a dance step and snap her fingers at the same time.
  The pace is fast and the choreography can be tricky, with steps and arm movements often deliberately at odds with each other.
  Synonyms
  metre, cadence, rhythm, foot
4. 1.4 A short or easily walked distance.
  短距离，近距离；步行的距离
  the market is only a short step from the end of the lake
  那市场离湖尾很近。
  Synonyms
  short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance
2A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another.
梯级，台阶
the bottom step of the staircase
楼梯的最底级。
a flight of marble steps
一段大理石的台阶。
Example sentencesExamples
- At exactly six-thirty that evening, I walked up the steps of Lydia's front porch to ring her doorbell.
- Aidan was the first to climb up the small steps to the upper level.
- When I opened the door, Kay was sitting on the bottom step of the grand staircase.
- They walked up the steps and paused in front of a wooden door that appeared, to Justin at least, very menacing and inhibiting.
- She didn't have the opportunity to read his expression for long either as he turned and marched across the yard and up the steps to his flat.
- This is fitted with wall to wall wardrobes and is also partially split level, with steps leading to the en suite shower room.
- The first thing we both did when we got back was make a beeline for the staircase, each of us putting a foot on the bottom step at the same time.
- She took her daughter's carrier out of the car and handed it to Lara so she could grab the bags and walk up the three steps to the front porch.
- Milo moved in for one last kiss, then he turned and walked down the porch steps, moving towards his car.
- Amanda nervously walked up the front steps of the twins' large house.
- There is an extensive lawn to the rear laid out over two levels with steps leading up to a hard tennis court.
- The sound of someone moving noisily up the steps attracted Margaret's attention.
- Before James got suspicious, I got out of the car and walked up towards the front steps as the last bus rolled away.
- Wendy saw Dr. Maddox out of the corner of her eye at the bottom step of a stairway leading to a second floor.
- I walked up the front steps to our house, carrying my bag behind me.
- The café is on two levels separated by shallow steps.
- Ahead, at the end of the path, steps led up to double doors standing open.
- Cut into the granite is a steep, gradually narrowing staircase, with some steps almost one foot high.
- I carried the plastic tray with the curried cheese pieces down the steps to the basement, a glass of milk held in the crook of my arm.
- My pool had steps instead of ladders, so you didn't really have to climb.
Synonyms
stair, tread, tread board
1. 2.1 A doorstep.
  门阶
  there was a pint of milk on the step
  在门阶上有一品脱牛奶。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Milk bottles were still on the step and the dogs and sheep had not been fed.
  At Lowther Drive it was a similar story at 10am as front gardens were flooded and water inched towards peoples' front steps.
  He turned onto his front step, then decided against it and walked along the driveway to the carport.
  Synonyms
  doorstep, sill
2. 2.2 A rung of a ladder.
  （梯子的）梯级，横档
  Example sentencesExamples
  I climbed down the steps of my ladder after shoving my new diary under my mattress.
  He jumps down, missing the last three steps of the ladder and landing right behind her.
  She screeched as she held on to one of the steps of the steel ladder.
  Synonyms
  rung, tread
3. 2.3British A stepladder.
  Example sentencesExamples
  He raced to the home of Mrs Caulfield's sister where he also found Mr Caulfield collapsed under a pair of steps.
  He listed a couple of folding camp chairs, a pair of steps, and a number of coats hanging up.
4. 2.4 Step aerobics.
  跑步有氧健身法
  as modifier a step class
  Example sentencesExamples
  We have had special step classes put on so we could get the hang of it all quicker!
  With just a few months to go, Annie is preparing for the trip by walking and taking up step classes at her local gym.
  He indulged in boxing and martial arts, taught aerobics and step classes, and enjoyed running.
  In a step class, the calorie burn correlates in part with step height.
  Another benefit: step plus resistance means fewer trips to the gym for separate sessions.
  This class is for ladies only and includes step aerobics, weights, stretching, etc.
  While increasing the tempo in your step class may augment intensity, it can also increase the risk of injury.
  The Tuesday class is step and abdominals while the Thursday class is a total body workout.
  I frequently see women at my gym take two spinning or step classes in a row.
  This works well with all kinds of group exercise classes, not just step.
  The muscular contractions it takes to smile are akin to putting your facial muscles through a 45-minute step class.
  Gyms schedule tai chi and yoga instruction in addition to the more traditional aerobics and step classes.
  The Tuesday class is step and toning and Thursdays class will be a total body workout.
  You might want to try putting a few days between your strength training and step workouts.
  I was keen on joining because of all the classes, but I've only ever done one - step - on the first weekend it was open.
5. 2.5Climbing A foothold cut in a slope of ice.
  〔登山〕（在倾斜的冰上凿出的）踏脚处，立足处
3A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing.
措施，手段
the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination
政府必须采取措施来制止年龄歧视。
a major step forward in the fight for justice
反恐怖斗争的重大举措。
Example sentencesExamples
- He said the defendant made out a number of cheques in various sums which he cashed for himself and then took steps to cover his tracks.
- We extend best wishes this week to a local couple taking the big step.
- The unit have now provided employers with information about how to carry out assessments and practical steps to reduce sound levels.
- It was at this point that he took the bold step of moving to Iwama.
- He said he was pleased the officers had taken steps to protect shoppers who spend hard-earned cash on poor-quality fakes.
- He checks his high blood sugar level daily and takes steps to control it, using insulin injections, diet and exercise.
- Once you have identified slow code, the next step is to address those issues.
- The anti-begging campaign comes as York's city centre manager takes steps to identify legitimate buskers.
- For the author whose literary career began on a slow train to Manchester, it was a huge step.
- However, council bosses stressed that year-on-year benefits processing was improving thanks to the steps taken by management.
- After such an emergency you would want to ensure steps were taken to cover such emergencies in future.
- He said the company was currently investigating whether steps could be taken to inform former members of staff of the situation.
- The lender should also be ashamed that it took no effective steps to help the couple.
- U.S. presidents knew about UFO crash retrievals right from the start and took steps to cover up the evidence.
- But people are taking steps beyond moving cows or horses out of harms way.
- So for a president contemplating his place in American history, there is currently no strong pressure to take bold steps.
- Such reports have declined in recent years as industry has taken steps to reduce formaldehyde levels.
- My plan was moving a little quicker than anticipated so I decided to take things slow after the next step.
- The next step is to add milk but milk is dangerous and the date stamps are often confusing.
- The first step was to level the area where the gazebo would be located and set the support columns in concrete.
Synonyms
course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative
take action, take measures, act, take the initiative, move
1. 3.1 A stage in a gradual process.
  步骤，阶段
  sales are up, which is a step in the right direction
  销售在上升，这是向正确方向发展的一个步骤。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Using several drugs to block HIV at different steps of its life cycle is more effective than any one medication.
  Purists, however, might regard arranging a Schubert string quartet for chamber orchestra as a step too far.
  Once their physical wounds are healed, the next logical step for the women will be justice.
  Campaigners claim the final deal will actually mark a step backwards from the position before the summit started.
  Therefore, the government will proceed with the next step of the recall process.
  It felt like the first step on a slippery slope to mounting debt.
  The sound of piped classical music floating through the air at a Billericay Railway Station is a step closer following a donation by local councillors.
  I'm always a step ahead of the musicians - I'm showing them where the music needs to go and why.
  If this is true, then we expect to find traces of intermediate steps of this turnover process within these regions.
  The main purpose of our work was to study the initial alignment of cell membranes to foreign surfaces as an early step of adhesion.
  They determine the steps of the interaction process that are supposed to lead to consensus between the agents.
  They want it over and done with so that they can get on with the next step of their rebuilding process.
  The next step is for the horse to learn how to go slower and collect from the leg - and thus truly accept the leg.
  The next step involves the external fitting of the safety, beavertail and mainspring housing.
  It surely didn't happen overnight, and as near as I can determine, it came in several, very gradual steps.
  We can do finer and finer grain experiments, but at each step of the way, is not our best model one which is digital?
  She is proud of her accomplishments, and positive about the next step of the campaign, but even she did not get the answers she was seeking.
  Strike action on Scotland's railways came a step closer yesterday after the main union rejected an above inflation pay rise.
  Myself, I believe that legalising cannabis will be just another step closer to losing the battle with class A drug abuse.
  Today Britain's railways are a step closer to being run by and for the nation.
  Synonyms
  advance, progression, development, step in the right direction, step forward, move, movement
2. 3.2 A particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale.
  级别，等级
  the first step on the managerial ladder
  管理层次的最低级别。
  Example sentencesExamples
  But you can't rest on your laurels - you must create your CV to get yourself on the next step of the ladder.
  Her successor says beatification, the step just short of sainthood, will be important not just for her order.
  No-one was sponsoring me for this race and it is merely the first step on the ladder to the big one.
  At least I knew and understood where I stood with men; namely several steps further down the ladder.
  Indeed, in many cultures to be a musician is just a few steps above a beggar.
  The thrust of the report is that existing housing policy does not come anywhere near meeting demand for an affordable first step on the ownership ladder.
  A first home is a step on the ladder, it's never the end goal or the dream home, and is rarely where you'd genuinely like it to be.
  He eventually reached Premier One division, just a step below professional level.
  Second, clerical work no longer served as the first step on the ladder into management.
  The spiralling cost of property has also meant that, for young families, this is usually the first step on the property ladder.
  I also met with scores of Iraqis from all steps of the socioeconomic ladder and all of the major ethnic and religious groups.
  The fact is, every mentally capable person looks at entry-level jobs as a first step on the economic ladder.
  I had good management, good coaching, it improved my game and put me on the first step on the ladder I suppose.
  Synonyms
  stage, level, grade, rank, degree
4North American Music
An interval in a scale; a tone (whole step) or semitone (half step).
〔乐〕〈主美〉音级；全音；半音
Example sentencesExamples
- This scale divides the octave into six equal steps, each a whole tone apart.
5Physics
An abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage.
〔物理〕（量值，尤指电压的）突然改变落差
Example sentencesExamples
- Single channel responses to voltage steps were simulated using the Noise Simulation program.
- It is possible that each of two generators produces a spark at the same time during a voltage step.
- Excitation of a suspension of such vesicles with a flash of light generated a voltage step across the membrane.
- The ionization step needed to create an ultracold plasma is performed using nanosecond laser pulses.
- At 0 mV, sparks appeared at the beginning of the voltage step with a probability of unity.
6A block, typically fixed to the vessel's keel, on which the base of a mast is seated.
Example sentencesExamples
- The hull was modified in 1995 to include two ventilated steps, a keel pad and notched transom.

verbstɛpstep

1no object, with adverbial Lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position.
跨步走
Claudia tried to step back
克劳迪亚尽力大步往后退。
I accidentally stepped on his foot
我不小心踩到他的脚上。
Example sentencesExamples
- The young man quickly stepped away from the door, pulling it open for his fellow student.
- When I open the door so she can take a breather she very seldom steps over the sill.
- At the back of the church, people stepped over a well-dressed young man who seemed unconscious.
- He set me back on my feet and I stepped aside to allow him entrance.
- Moments later the door swung open and a young military nurse stepped into the room.
- I suppose everyone who worked with horses will have had their foot accidentally stepped on.
- Running his hands through his hair, Guy approaches the ladder and steps onto the bottom rung.
- The young man stepped closer and Lane caught a better look at him.
- I scale the stairs quickly as possible, stepping over sitting persons, avoiding an obstacle course of beer bottles.
- If they are successful, the men will step ashore for the first time in four months when they reach the coast of California.
- This was soon to change: a crash course in the Greek language and culture saw him stepping from the plane in Athens six months later.
- John moved across the small area slowly, occasionally stepping on her feet.
- I had recently injured my foot by stepping on a laptop plug.
- I turned around and jumped back into Anna, stepping on her foot.
- Shakespeare has been with us in Aotearoa since Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1769.
- At the bottom of the stairs in the morning, I stepped into two feet of freezing cold water and we decided to evacuate the family.
- When I stepped on his foot, not accidentally, he winced in pain and let go of me.
- Wendy had just lifted her foot to step over to the next joist, and the sudden noise made her startle badly.
- He swooped down and plucked me off my feet, stepping onto the porch.
- A young man stepped into the firelight, his face partly obscured by tumbles of dark brown hair.
Synonyms
walk, move, tread, pace, stride
tread, stamp, trample, tramp
1. 1.1as imperative Used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose.
  行走（用于礼貌或恭敬地请某人为某种目的作短距离行走）
  please step this way
  请往这边走。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Calmly but firmly insist on stepping into a private office or conference room where you will attend to his concerns.
  Just shy of an hour after I got in, my manager came in and asked me to step into his office when I had a chance.
  Well now that the mushy stuff is out of the way, would you mind stepping into my office?
2. 1.2step itdated Perform a dance.
  〈旧〉跳舞
  they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers
  他们在一排排的跳舞者中间舞到房间的另一头。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The happy couple took to the maple floor and were at peace as they stepped it out and danced to their hearts content.
  It was then time for more dancing and the gathering took to the floor and stepped it out to strains of Sean Wisley and his band.
  Here's the girl, clueless at how to begin stepping it with the dance partner.
  Hearing of my trophy for ballroom dancing, the ladies present asked me to step it out with them.
  Teresa Dunne and her very talented step dancing group will also be stepping it out on the boards.
  Synonyms
  dance, jig, leap, jump, skip, bounce
3. 1.3 Take a particular course of action.
  做，采取行动
  young men have temporarily stepped out of the labor market
  Example sentencesExamples
  He has held pop concerts across China in the shortest period after stepping into stardom.
  At 28 he's young enough to make some impact on the division but unless he steps outside Thailand he'll never get it done.
  In doing so, this set of articles steps squarely into the current debate.
  He plays a lawyer who must step beyond the office and mounting files.
2Nautical
with object Set up (a mast) in its step.
〔航海〕竖立（桅杆）于桅座上
Example sentencesExamples
- In our first trials we found that the mast could be safely stepped on a single standard frame.
- With the ship in the water, its time now to step the mast and attend to the rigging.
- Gotheborg will remain alongside fitting out and stepping her masts and rigging before starting sea trials in early 2004.
- The cruiser fleet was refloated at the club slipway on Good Friday last and the masts were stepped on Saturday morning.

Phrases

break step

Stop walking or marching in step with others.
停止齐步走
Example sentencesExamples
- Neither of them broke step as they walked with their heads up but eyes down.
- Then they break step and disperse over Southwark Bridge, chatting and slouching.
- They were all of different heights and strides yet they never broke step.
- Passers-by in this northern suburb in the foothills of Iran's Elborz Mountains are few, and most walk past without breaking step.

fall into step

Change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person.
调整步伐，齐步行进
Example sentencesExamples
- Interested, I fell into step behind them as they walked.
- He fell into step beside me and we walked on in silence.
- He fell into step beside me and took my hand as we walked to our classes.
- ‘Hey Jen,’ he says with a smile, and falls into step beside me as I walk down the hall to Calculus.
- He slowly opened his eyes as he walked forward, falling into step beside his sister.
- Nick waited for the rest of them to walk past him and fell into step with Crystal.
- Christie nodded, and I fell into step beside her as we walked down the hallway.
- Maria nodded slowly, and then fell into step beside us.
- I started walking back up along the trail, and Butler fell into step beside me.
- After school, he came up to me as I was walking home, and fell into step beside me.

in (or out of) step

1Putting (or not putting) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with.
（不）与他人一起走齐步（或合拍跳舞）
Example sentencesExamples
- At one point, young Erin hurried forward to march in step with the Captain.
- Nowadays, players are slouching, walking out of step, and passing around water bottles.
- Among the delegates were German veterans and blind ones from France; some of the vets, protesting the political and military madness of the First World War, refused to march in step.
- Walking down the street beside him, you would notice from time to time his nimble little skip as he changed feet to keep in step.
- Many now in their 80s, they marched in step, medals glinting in the sun at the end of a long, hot day.
- We headed back up the stairs, then once outside the Media Center, we somehow managed to all start walking side-by-side, in step - it was slightly disturbing.
- Protectively placing an arm around his mother's shoulders, Michael walks in step with her to the drawing room.
- Twenty-one young children from the local schools marched in step, each child carrying a rose.
- Even the guys who were in the class were in step and in rhythm!
- I heard no distinct word as I passed but a few minutes later when they arose, clasped hands and walked away perfectly in step with one another, I breathed a sigh of relief for them.
1. 1.1Conforming (or not conforming) to what others are doing or thinking.
  〈喻〉（不）一致，（不）协调
  the party is clearly out of step with voters
  很明显，那个党派与投票人不协调。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The ordinary American continues to be splendidly out of step with the Chattering Classes.
  At present, they are all out of step with the vast majority of British people.
  If his vanity premiership gets too far out of step with what the party wants, he won't get the chance to serve a full term.
  Are they going to boot him out of office if he doesn't march in step?
  For too long Glasgow has been out of step with the rest of Scotland which complies far more readily with copyright law.
  The ethnic make-up of Woolwich will certainly put that shop out of step with the local community.
  The problem with that, of course, is that those opposition parties are out of step with 82 percent of New Zealanders.
  England remained out of step with Europe, at least those countries that were Catholic, for more than 200 years and during that time grew to be the most powerful and commercially prosperous nation on earth.
  It has also given the impression that Britain is acting detrimentally to the general European interest and is the only country marching out of step.
  That's where art was heading, so he was a little out of step with the intellectual movement.
  Synonyms
  in accord, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, in accordance, in consensus, in consilience
  at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony, at loggerheads, in opposition, at outs
2. 1.2(of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena) having (or not having) the same frequency and always in the same phase.
  〔物理〕（两个或多个振动或别的循环现象）（不）同步
  Example sentencesExamples
  In that case, when the length of one of the arms changes the tiniest bit, the beams will be more in step and produce some light when combined.
  But if the second note is sharpened slightly, say to 445 Hz, a note of some intermediate pitch is heard that pulsates in loudness as the peaks and troughs of the two waves drift in and out of step.
  Over time, the quantum waves that accompany the different flavors get out of step, and an electron neutrino seems to morph into a muon neutrino or a tau neutrino and back again.
  If they are in step (in phase, the physicists say), then crest coincides constructively with crest, giving maximum mutual reinforcement.

keep step

Remain walking, marching, or dancing in step.
齐步前进；合拍跳舞
Example sentencesExamples
- And he definitely didn't notice the figure keeping step with him, watching him curiously.
- Trade in bulk goods will tend to keep step with the boundaries of military-political interaction, but luxury trade can easily outpace them.
- Weak as my limbs were I managed to keep step with Nick, though I believe he purposely slowed his pace to accommodate me.
- However, Jude had an infuriating way of keeping step with her.
- We have to change the interpretation of the rules to keep step with market forces.
- He may be tall and a little lanky and have a propensity to put his foot in it but when it comes to keeping step on a fast paced political dance floor, Bobby didn't miss a beat.
- And if a company's biggest threat is keeping step with competitors and getting a product to market within six months, then spending money on disaster recovery might even be an imprudent use of resources.
- What's more, the tomography must be able to keep step with the production cycle.
- I started to speed up my step as well and Ben in turn tried to keep step with me.
- With the regimentation of battle tactics and the increasing importance of the need to keep step, drummers became an essential part of European armies.

watch one's step

Used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully.
走路小心；行动小心（用作警告）
you'd better watch your step with him—he's not as innocent as he looks
mind your step—the path's a bit steep
Example sentencesExamples
- If you don't obey the higher law of prudence by watching your step on an icy day, you will be compelled to obey the lower law of gravity.
- I guess I'll just have to watch my step extra carefully, especially when it come to Annette.
- They know it is an environment where you have to watch your step.
- I walk down the hall watching my step so I don't bump into anyone and turn into the next corridor; the food court lies ahead.
- Tanya went down the stairs, watching her step carefully.
- And should such claims be advanced, what other social contracts and vows might be up for re-examination, what other unrewarding social institutions would have to start watching their step?
- When walking, however much you love the city, watch your step as well as looking up at the buildings
- Who were you thinking of instead of watching your step, Evie?
- The best way to describe it is to say that it feels like walking on a small boat - you have to watch your step and sometimes you feel sick.
- It's the defense's job to make sure that the prosecution watch their boundaries, watches their step.
Synonyms
be careful, take care, step carefully, step cautiously, walk carefully, walk cautiously, tread carefully, tread cautiously, exercise care, exercise caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, watch oneself, be wary, be circumspect, be chary, take heed, be attentive, be on one's guard, have one's wits about one, keep one's wits about one, be on the qui vive

one step ahead

Managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something.
尽量避免同…的竞争；设法避开危险
I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff
我尽量避免同其他工作人员的竞争。
Example sentencesExamples
- With the new press in full operation, Stewart is now turning his mind to his next investment in his bid to stay one step ahead of the competition.
- Against these diminishing odds, Jake and his crew must stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the cops to finally settle their debt.
- At the end of the day, in our attempt to go one step ahead, we have ended up two steps behind.
- Wherever I go, church-wise, I always seem to be one step ahead in vision or desire of where the church is at.
- Julie, a trainee nurse, is already one step ahead of her husband, having taken part in a similar ladies-only event.
- That policy is all part of his drive to stay one step ahead.
- It was also a race to keep one step ahead of the game.
- In the good old days, organised crime figures in the United States were cagey, one step ahead of the law at every turn.
- We need to be proactive, one step ahead of the competition - an international leader.
- Indeed, for much of the film Kenny's strategizing seems to be one step ahead of the others.

step by step

So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next.
逐步地
I'll explain it to you step by step
我会一步步地解释给你听。
as modifier a step-by-step guide
渐进指南。
Example sentencesExamples
- They followed this step by step guide to equipment and software applications at their own speed.
- The exhibits suggested ways and means to reduce weight step by step.
- She loved pranks, but they had to be carefully planned out, step by step, whereas he just did it.
- Your mind and body will find it a lot easier to receive the changes if you make them step by step rather than all in one go in the hope that they will fit together nicely in the swing.
- He guides you step by step through comprehensive and easy to follow instructions.
- Pat got right down to business, taking the group step by step through the fundamentals of writing poetry.
- And it lays out step by step what was done to assemble this bomb and deliver this bomb.
- The software contains lesson plans, which enable the teacher to cover each of these elements step by step.
- Now in a step by step guide, I'll show you how I can achieve this.
- Sarah has written a book about their experiences with a step by step guide for people wanting to do it themselves.
Synonyms
one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily, slowly but surely

step into someone's shoes

Take control of a task or job from another person.
接替…的职位（或工作）
Example sentencesExamples
- She may be stepping into Boyle's shoes, but she won't be taking his revolutionary approach.
- He has already stepped into Kenyon 's shoes once before, replacing him as deputy chief executive three years ago.
- But this week, the majority of those drivers returned to their posts and learner drivers did not step into their shoes as intended.
- He stepped into her shoes once before, when she had to pull out due to family crises.
- As soon as my father was gone, Nick stepped into his shoes.
- The man stepping into his shoes, however, is no shadowy unknown.
- Over the past few years we have managed to put about half-a-dozen dealers behind bars but there are always successors ready to step into their shoes.
- Later this month he steps into Gene Kelly's shoes in the £500,000 stage version of Oscar winning film, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre.
- House sitters not only help deter your home from being the target of a burglary, but they step into your shoes and take care of the small things on a day to day basis.
- Who has the authority, the sheer gravitas, to step into his shoes?
Synonyms
deputize, act, act as deputy, substitute, act as substitute, act as stand-in, fill in, sit in, do duty, take over, act as understudy, act as locum, do a locum, be a proxy, cover, provide cover, hold the fort, step into the breach

step on it

informal Go faster, typically in a motor vehicle.
〈非正式〉赶快；加快车速，踩油门
Example sentencesExamples
- Our hero stepped on it and took us all on a high speed chase.
- The driver seemed to be really stepping on it as the bus gained speed very fast.
- You begin at a dead stop, cop cars piled up maybe eleven inches off your rear bumper waiting patiently for you to step on it and try to make a getaway.
Synonyms
hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick

step out of line

Behave inappropriately or disobediently.
偏离常规地做，不合要求地做
Example sentencesExamples
- Stevens will now have to watch his back as hundreds of leaflets bearing his face, name and the areas he is banned from, are distributed by police so residents can report him if he steps out of line.
- If your boy steps out of line, do not reason or cajole.
- Now at least we will all know if she steps out of line and how to take action.
- If a player steps out of line then he gets hauled over the coals.
- They taught me to let people know when they step out of line.
- We've encouraged the Environment Agency to be tight in their management of what's going on and I know they will act if the company steps out of line.
- Now while the arrest numbers are high, police really showing a zero tolerance attitude for anybody who steps out of line.
- There would have been a massive fine if anyone was found to have stepped out of line in the way of drinking and fighting.
- The first is the drill-sergeant type of manager who believes regimented procedure is the best method to ensure no player steps out of line.
- Players are so in fear of stepping out of line off the pitch they are far from relaxed by the time they step onto it.

step up to the plate

Take action in response to an opportunity or crisis.
Example sentencesExamples
- It's everyone's responsibility to step up to the plate and strive to get what they want while giving others what they want in return.
- And we have a very important role to play, but are just so grateful with everyone who's stepping up to the plate to contribute their assets to help with the problem.
- I've really stepped up to the plate on this album.
- The president has boldly stepped up to the plate.
- And we want people stepping up to the plate to be vaccinated if they're in a priority group.
- However, the association also demanded that the government play a role in the consumer crisis, and openly chided it for not stepping up to the plate.
- The federal authorities need to step up to the plate and face their responsibility.
- They're great Americans and they're stepping up to the plate.
- The space program is in complete disarray and no one is stepping up to the plate and trying to find a solution.
- Make sure your congressman steps up to the plate.

Phrasal Verbs

step aside

Withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
下台，退出；辞职
he has stepped aside as adviser to both firms

step back

Mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively.
退一步以便更客观地思考
Example sentencesExamples
- He couldn't help stepping back and looking at the absurdity of his situation.
- Over at The Globe and Mail, Kate Taylor steps back and takes a look at the book reviewing debate.
- It's about time somebody took a few steps back and realised what country is.
- Not once did he step back to draw together various pieces and put them into a single theory.
- Think about how difficult it is for some couples to step back from passion to consider contraception.
- To do this as a nation, we have to step back and view the situation in its totality.
- Maybe if you step back from the situation and see it from a rational point of view you might see that things are not as bad as they seem.
- M does not step back far enough to allow us to consider the significance of sex as interaction.
- We are uncomfortable with slow things because we have to step back and consider them.
- Do you ever feel like stepping back, reviewing what's going on?

step down

Withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
下台，退出；辞职
Mr. Krenz stepped down as party leader a week ago
克伦茨先生一星期以前从党魁的位置上退了下来。
Example sentencesExamples
- He announced he was stepping down to accept a law school position in California.
- Last night he decided to step down from his position rather than follow his party's line.
- The real test of a democracy is when an office holder loses an election and steps down.
- He stepped down from office in May this year, ending his second spell as Tory group leader on Doncaster Council.
- James has since said he would be stepping down later this year from his position.
- He had to step down from the position because of the closure of the shipyards.
- I remember the day he told me that he was stepping down from that position.
- All year Daly had intimated that he was ready to step down and last night reports of his resignation did not come as any surprise.
- Over the next few days he will have to step down from his various positions on SFA committees.
- They have been sounded but refused to step down from their respective offices.
Synonyms
resign, stand down, give up one's job, give up one's post, bow out

step something down

Decrease voltage by using a transformer.
（用变压器）降低电压
Example sentencesExamples
- For PSD analysis, the reflector voltage was stepped down in 10 to 12 steps, starting from 30 kV, in order to collect fragment ions from the precursor down to immonium ions.
- And even if mains electricity was used, the voltage would be stepped down to battery-levels.
- But larger facilities, including malls, campuses and industrial plants, may take power at ‘high tension’ - between 4,800 and 138,000 volts - and then step it down with their own transformers.
- In this case, the supply provides 12V DC power to the case, which has a small internal regulator to step the voltage down to 3.3V and 5V as needed.
- AC circuits predominate in the US transmission system because they are compatible with transformers - devices that can step up voltage before electricity is transported or step it down before electricity is distributed to consumers.

step forward

Offer one's help or services.
提供帮助（或服务）
a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team
一家公司已经提出要为这个队提供赞助。
Example sentencesExamples
- At press time no student had stepped forward offering to cover the substantial deficit.
- I share with my sister and mother the doom of always stepping forward when we see something that needs doing that no-one else will own.
- It was at this point the man - who had been seated near to the pair on the train - stepped forward to offer his help.
- To the coaches and co-ordinators - thanks for stepping forward when we came asking.
- It's just a case of being confident, stepping forward and accepting responsibility like a man.
- Meanwhile, Government sanction has enabled the East Midlands Development Agency to offer allowances for parties stepping forward to help fund the race.
- To Fidel's surprise, his old comrade Che Guevara steps forward, and is duly appointed Finance Minister.
- Unless a major business steps forward in the future, the carnival could also be in jeopardy.
- Fourteen candidates stepped forward to jockey for the four available positions.
- This was a case of a courageous individual stepping forward and enabling the Army to police itself.

step in

1Become involved in a difficult or problematic situation, especially in order to help or prevent something from happening.
插手帮助（或干预）
Example sentencesExamples
- The victim had become involved in a fight outside the pub and Miss Ward stepped in.
- A while ago I was involved in an incident where I stepped in to help someone who was being spat at by a racist.
- By Saturday of last week local African Caribbean churches had stepped in to try to calm the situation down.
- We are too global now to not have a world body that seeks to prevent wars and steps in when they occur.
- Thus, government steps in and subsidizes premiums to encourage more farmers to join.
- It really is time that city hall stepped in to try and salvage the situation!
- One OF York's worst eyesore houses could be in line for a facelift if the city council steps in and forces its owner to sell up.
- One source close to the club, who did not want to be named, said that club volunteers had stepped in to help but were no substitute.
- But Priya steps in and starts encouraging him and insists that he should cure her of her problem.
- Bradford is proving that pupils' exam grades go up when business steps in to help failing local education authorities.
Synonyms
intervene, intercede, become involved, get involved, act, take action, take measures, take a hand
1. 1.1Act as a substitute for someone.
  代替，顶替
  Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place
  露西在接到通知后很短的时间内就接替了琼的位置。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Neither bothered to turn up and the business editor stepped in to do an admirable job as a late substitute.
  Blindside flanker Jim Nicholson is out through injury, so natural replacement Duncan Phillips steps in.

step out

1Leave a room or building for a short time.
暂时离开，暂时走开
Example sentencesExamples
- He had to step out of the room for a moment when the rule was being voted on.
- So, she hands me a fly-swatter, steps out of the room and goes to phone my step-dad to find out where they keep the bug spray.
- When Sidney steps out of the room to take one of many cell phone calls, Harold works up the nerve to go over to the actress and introduce himself.
- I stepped out of the room to grab a couple of beers from the kitchen.
- He thinks a moment, and then steps out of the room.
- Once Alex is washed she steps out into the main room with her shirt done up loosely.
- He was attacked after the class nanny stepped out of the room to change another baby's nappy.
- When a break was called, he stood, smiling, and asked to step out of the room.
- Her husband asked her to step out of the room, which she did.
- He steps out of the room and returns a few minutes later after consulting his manager.
2Go out to have a good time.
he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress
他与一个红头发的女服务员一起外出参加聚会。
Example sentencesExamples
- Turns out he's been snapped stepping out with Star Wars action figurine Natalie Portman and the winsome Winona Ryder.
- Sarah Reid ponders the new round of rumours suggesting he's stepping out with Sophie Dahl
- What I didn't know at the time was that she had also been stepping out with K on a reasonably regular basis over the last couple of months.
- She's now stepping out with a gentleman.
- It seems Rupert's been stepping out with some rich vixen.
- He even switched camps, stepping out with a member of Kylie's troop, no less.
- She has since begun stepping out with Josh, probably the coolest rock star around.
- Snogging A-listers and stepping out with celebs could be a career-boosting move for the winners who are still enjoying their first flurry of fame.
- He was a member of a failed boyband and has been stepping out with young Samantha for three years now.
- I'm constantly amazed at the number of gorgeous women who prefer being with a fatty to stepping out with an Adonis.
3Walk with long or vigorous steps.
大步走；健步走
she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully
她喜欢郊游，昂首阔步向前走。
Example sentencesExamples
- I nudged Glory into a trot and he eagerly stepped out, his long strides eating up the ground.
- Weak, disused musculature means I have to saunter and stroll rather than step out briskly.

step something up

1Increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something.
增加…的量度（或速度、强度）
police decided to step up security plans for the game
警察决定为比赛加强安全保障。
Example sentencesExamples
- Security patrols have been stepped up in the border area.
- Police are now stepping up the campaign to catch the culprit and have asked members of the public to come forward if they know who it is.
- This quality threshold is likely to be raised as the organisation steps up its activities as it moves into the private sector.
- From there he drove to his home in Glasgow's west end where his security will be stepped up.
- Rowdy revellers and arsonists could see their antics crushed as a drive to tackle residents' worries steps up a gear.
- Police are stepping up their fight against illicit drugs with a pioneering new piece of computer technology.
- The visitors were stepping up their game and it was no surprise when they went further ahead in the 59th minute.
- Police are stepping up their war on anti-social behaviour on an estate.
- They are stepping up ticketing to clamp down on the vehicles using double yellow lines to park in Southampton city centre.
- And as the government steps up its efforts to join the euro we can expect more traders sell sterling in anticipation.
Synonyms
increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate, scale up, boost
speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten
1. 1.1Increase voltage using a transformer.
  （用变压器）降低电压
  Example sentencesExamples
  European machines, which operate on electrical standards different from those of U.S. machines, require transformers to step voltages up or down.
  In the pictures you see, it's taking power from an external power supply, stepping it up in voltage, and driving a fluorescent lamp - all at an efficiency of less than 100%.

Origin

Old English stæpe, stepe (noun), stæppan, steppan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen.

词汇	step
释义	Definition of step in English: step nounPlural steps stɛpstɛp 1An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running. 跨步，步子 Ron took a step back 罗恩后退了一步。 she turned and retraced her steps 她转过身又折了回去。 Example sentencesExamples He took a slow step backward, and then fell flat onto his back. She closed the distance in a few steps and turned around. Make your advances and retreats take as little time as possible, even if this means taking shorter steps. I took a couple of tentative steps inside, when the door suddenly slammed behind me. She made her way across the massive Headmaster's office, taking slow, calm steps to the door. He took short shuffling steps and shook his considerable bulk with each one. The waiter took a short step backwards, the cheese bowl clattered on the table The bleachers echoed in the distance from our rough steps. But when I walk out from the shore, tiny purple crabs run for cover at my first step. By 1946 he could only get around by taking taxi rides, a few steps would make him short of breath. The pigeon took a couple of steps to the side, and then turned himself round to look behind him. May took her arm, and they began to walk with small steps towards the exit. I remember, as a very young boy, seeing the headlines, and amazing photos, of Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the surface of the moon. Slowly, he strolls away from his house in the direction of Third Street, turning his head every couple of steps. Then retrace your steps for a short distance and turn left. Clip it on, and then track steps taken, miles covered, and calories burned. He then proceeded taking the few steps towards the massive front doors of the palace, which slowly opened, as he got nearer. Chad made it to the door in a few short and choppy steps, and yanked it open. There was some falling and some grabbing at us, but pretty quickly he'd managed to take a couple of successful steps. And she doesn't even have to move much, just a quick twist or a step away is all she needs. Synonyms pace, footstep, stride footstep, footfall, tread, tramp 1.1 The distance covered by a step. 一步的距离，步长 Richard came a couple of steps nearer 理查德又向前走近了几步。 Example sentencesExamples This isn't really a weblog, but it's only a couple of steps removed from one. We have a man always on the scene, never, never more than a step away from instantaneously covering a story. Gradually move the starting distances back a couple of steps at a time. These are used to determine trip lengths in time and distance in subsequent steps. Moving back a few steps, Christian geared himself up and made a run for the door, hitting it against his shoulder. De Vere backed up several steps toward the side staircase. Her entire body shaking, feet suddenly heavy, she struggled to walk the few steps to the front of the house. The person was made to carry a bag on his or her back a certain distance, sometimes three steps or across three thresholds. Michael managed to shuffle a couple of steps to his right and get one arm back inside the building. The effect is so unsettling that I stumble back a couple of steps. Maggie looked over at Jen and got up, quickly covering the few steps to gently embrace her daughter. I would walk three big steps towards the mat, and then jump as high as I could. He stopped just a few steps short of leaving this apartment, possibly forever. I was only a couple of steps away, but something below me, at about waist level, was blocking my way. We were overwhelmed and forced a couple of steps backwards as the hordes flooded past us. 1.2usually in singular A person's particular way of walking. 步态，步姿 she left the room with a springy step 她步态轻盈地离开房间。 Example sentencesExamples Life had to be faced head-on and, that too with a spring in the step! As I walked up the stairs I slowed my steps, smiling at the echo of the staircase. It was not just the prospect of receiving a spanking-new car that put a spring in the step. They were not long in coming, and the quick light step of Mel was followed by the slow tread of Bridget. We set off with a springing step - me particularly - as I had left most of the contents of my small pack at the hut. Since he took on his role at the end of last year, he has been saying things which have put a new spring in the step of anti-grammar school campaigners. That is why, judging by the spring in the step of the Feel-Goods, it will take more than another quarter point rise in rates to spoil their mood. Between the milk and the caffeine it puts a spring in your step. Whatever it is, it works beautifully and is sure to put a spring in anyone's step. This is not a recipe for a sunny visage and a spring in the step. There was a spring in the step of mums and their toddlers at a Bexleyheath playgroup. There is a definite spring in the step of Jim as he continues his canvass of the constituency. To me he appeared to have grown less springy of step, heavier in body, less keen of eye. The second half had to be better and thankfully there was an extra spring in City's step when they came out. It's put a little spring in my step knowing that sport can do that to a couple of countries that haven't been getting on so well. Men whose step has slowed are thinking of boys they knew when they were boys together. The floor was covered in thick, burgundy carpet, which seemed to add an extra spring to one's step. There is a spring in the step as the city grooves to a new beat. You get an air of invincibility about you and that, as much as any training, puts a spring back in the step. Nowadays, there is a new spring in the step of Clare folk, new talk of a new team, a new manager, a new era. Synonyms gait, walk, way of walking, tread, bearing, carriage 1.3 Each of the sequences of movement of the feet which make up a dance. 舞步 Example sentencesExamples The choir holds dance workshops and steps are choreographed as a group. He coped well with his large assortment of jumping steps, as well as multiple pirouettes which were all danced with ease. On the other hand, she notes that the women are now doing her steps, her choreography. They did this all in slow motion, slowly and carefully, as if learning all the steps to a dance routine. It hadn't taken Todd long to pick up on the dance steps; to Rachel's surprise Todd had a knack for dancing. In a technical and physical challenge, the dancers perform Peking opera gestures and movements at the same time as they dance ballet steps. While Williams made her way brilliantly through its forest of steps, the dance was more demanding than affecting. He has also written concert music that's spacious and flows without a step being danced to it. They are imitating the complex dance steps and hand jives that the group perform in their videos. At first, the image of Astaire trying to acclimate to the unusual steps of Indian dance is humorous. Importantly, during her explanation, she demonstrates dance steps that convey events in the narrative. After that, they chose and combined the movements with modern dance steps. She has even mastered some ballroom dance steps, which form part of the choreographed routines for the show. I have monitored the progress of modern dance steps over the past three decades. So it's especially hard to believe that she once found it difficult to do a dance step and snap her fingers at the same time. You cannot experience the dance just by knowing the sequence of steps. The pace is fast and the choreography can be tricky, with steps and arm movements often deliberately at odds with each other. A ‘hyperactive’ only child, she would spend her time milking her parents' cows and practising her ballet steps. My ladies and I were having a wonderful afternoon, practicing dance steps. Learning hula steps and motions and dancing every day is a great way to keep a body flexible while enjoying Hawaiian music. Synonyms metre, cadence, rhythm, foot 1.4 A short or easily walked distance. 短距离，近距离；步行的距离 the market is only a short step from the lake 那市场离湖尾很近。 Synonyms short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance informal {a hop, skip, and a jump} 2A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another. 梯级，台阶 the bottom step of the staircase 楼梯的最底级。 a flight of marble steps 一段大理石的台阶。 Example sentencesExamples The café is on two levels separated by shallow steps. She took her daughter's carrier out of the car and handed it to Lara so she could grab the bags and walk up the three steps to the front porch. I carried the plastic tray with the curried cheese pieces down the steps to the basement, a glass of milk held in the crook of my arm. Wendy saw Dr. Maddox out of the corner of her eye at the bottom step of a stairway leading to a second floor. Milo moved in for one last kiss, then he turned and walked down the porch steps, moving towards his car. When I opened the door, Kay was sitting on the bottom step of the grand staircase. She didn't have the opportunity to read his expression for long either as he turned and marched across the yard and up the steps to his flat. Aidan was the first to climb up the small steps to the upper level. Before James got suspicious, I got out of the car and walked up towards the front steps as the last bus rolled away. Cut into the granite is a steep, gradually narrowing staircase, with some steps almost one foot high. This is fitted with wall to wall wardrobes and is also partially split level, with steps leading to the en suite shower room. Amanda nervously walked up the front steps of the twins' large house. The first thing we both did when we got back was make a beeline for the staircase, each of us putting a foot on the bottom step at the same time. My pool had steps instead of ladders, so you didn't really have to climb. There is an extensive lawn to the rear laid out over two levels with steps leading up to a hard tennis court. I walked up the front steps to our house, carrying my bag behind me. The sound of someone moving noisily up the steps attracted Margaret's attention. At exactly six-thirty that evening, I walked up the steps of Lydia's front porch to ring her doorbell. They walked up the steps and paused in front of a wooden door that appeared, to Justin at least, very menacing and inhibiting. Ahead, at the end of the path, steps led up to double doors standing open. Synonyms stair, tread, tread board (steps), stairs, staircase, stairway North American stoop 2.1 A doorstep. 门阶 there was a pint of milk on the step 在门阶上有一品脱牛奶。 Example sentencesExamples At Lowther Drive it was a similar story at 10am as front gardens were flooded and water inched towards peoples' front steps. Milk bottles were still on the step and the dogs and sheep had not been fed. He turned onto his front step, then decided against it and walked along the driveway to the carport. Synonyms doorstep, sill 2.2 A rung of a ladder. （梯子的）梯级，横档 Example sentencesExamples I climbed down the steps of my ladder after shoving my new diary under my mattress. She screeched as she held on to one of the steps of the steel ladder. He jumps down, missing the last three steps of the ladder and landing right behind her. Synonyms rung, tread 2.3British A stepladder. the steps are in the outhouse Example sentencesExamples He listed a couple of folding camp chairs, a pair of steps, and a number of coats hanging up. He raced to the home of Mrs Caulfield's sister where he also found Mr Caulfield collapsed under a pair of steps. 2.4mass noun Step aerobics. 跑步有氧健身法 as modifier a step class Example sentencesExamples This works well with all kinds of group exercise classes, not just step. With just a few months to go, Annie is preparing for the trip by walking and taking up step classes at her local gym. You might want to try putting a few days between your strength training and step workouts. The Tuesday class is step and toning and Thursdays class will be a total body workout. We have had special step classes put on so we could get the hang of it all quicker! The Tuesday class is step and abdominals while the Thursday class is a total body workout. In a step class, the calorie burn correlates in part with step height. The muscular contractions it takes to smile are akin to putting your facial muscles through a 45-minute step class. This class is for ladies only and includes step aerobics, weights, stretching, etc. Gyms schedule tai chi and yoga instruction in addition to the more traditional aerobics and step classes. I was keen on joining because of all the classes, but I've only ever done one - step - on the first weekend it was open. While increasing the tempo in your step class may augment intensity, it can also increase the risk of injury. Another benefit: step plus resistance means fewer trips to the gym for separate sessions. I frequently see women at my gym take two spinning or step classes in a row. He indulged in boxing and martial arts, taught aerobics and step classes, and enjoyed running. 2.5Climbing A foothold cut in a slope of ice. 〔登山〕（在倾斜的冰上凿出的）踏脚处，立足处 3A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing. 措施，手段 the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination 政府必须采取措施来制止年龄歧视。 a major step forward in the fight for justice 反恐怖斗争的重大举措。 Example sentencesExamples The unit have now provided employers with information about how to carry out assessments and practical steps to reduce sound levels. He said the company was currently investigating whether steps could be taken to inform former members of staff of the situation. He said the defendant made out a number of cheques in various sums which he cashed for himself and then took steps to cover his tracks. The first step was to level the area where the gazebo would be located and set the support columns in concrete. It was at this point that he took the bold step of moving to Iwama. Such reports have declined in recent years as industry has taken steps to reduce formaldehyde levels. He said he was pleased the officers had taken steps to protect shoppers who spend hard-earned cash on poor-quality fakes. The next step is to add milk but milk is dangerous and the date stamps are often confusing. Once you have identified slow code, the next step is to address those issues. He checks his high blood sugar level daily and takes steps to control it, using insulin injections, diet and exercise. The anti-begging campaign comes as York's city centre manager takes steps to identify legitimate buskers. After such an emergency you would want to ensure steps were taken to cover such emergencies in future. My plan was moving a little quicker than anticipated so I decided to take things slow after the next step. However, council bosses stressed that year-on-year benefits processing was improving thanks to the steps taken by management. U.S. presidents knew about UFO crash retrievals right from the start and took steps to cover up the evidence. We extend best wishes this week to a local couple taking the big step. The lender should also be ashamed that it took no effective steps to help the couple. So for a president contemplating his place in American history, there is currently no strong pressure to take bold steps. For the author whose literary career began on a slow train to Manchester, it was a huge step. But people are taking steps beyond moving cows or horses out of harms way. Synonyms course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative manoeuvre, tactic, strategy, stratagem, operation French démarche take action, take measures, act, take the initiative, move 3.1 A stage in a gradual process. 步骤，阶段 sales are up, which is a step in the right direction 销售在上升，这是向正确方向发展的一个步骤。 Example sentencesExamples The main purpose of our work was to study the initial alignment of cell membranes to foreign surfaces as an early step of adhesion. Once their physical wounds are healed, the next logical step for the women will be justice. We can do finer and finer grain experiments, but at each step of the way, is not our best model one which is digital? Myself, I believe that legalising cannabis will be just another step closer to losing the battle with class A drug abuse. The next step is for the horse to learn how to go slower and collect from the leg - and thus truly accept the leg. The sound of piped classical music floating through the air at a Billericay Railway Station is a step closer following a donation by local councillors. Campaigners claim the final deal will actually mark a step backwards from the position before the summit started. It felt like the first step on a slippery slope to mounting debt. She is proud of her accomplishments, and positive about the next step of the campaign, but even she did not get the answers she was seeking. Using several drugs to block HIV at different steps of its life cycle is more effective than any one medication. I'm always a step ahead of the musicians - I'm showing them where the music needs to go and why. The next step involves the external fitting of the safety, beavertail and mainspring housing. It surely didn't happen overnight, and as near as I can determine, it came in several, very gradual steps. Today Britain's railways are a step closer to being run by and for the nation. Therefore, the government will proceed with the next step of the recall process. Strike action on Scotland's railways came a step closer yesterday after the main union rejected an above inflation pay rise. Purists, however, might regard arranging a Schubert string quartet for chamber orchestra as a step too far. They determine the steps of the interaction process that are supposed to lead to consensus between the agents. If this is true, then we expect to find traces of intermediate steps of this turnover process within these regions. They want it over and done with so that they can get on with the next step of their rebuilding process. Synonyms advance, progression, development, step in the right direction, step forward, move, movement breakthrough 3.2 A particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale. 级别，等级 the first step on the managerial ladder 管理层次的最低级别。 Example sentencesExamples I had good management, good coaching, it improved my game and put me on the first step on the ladder I suppose. Her successor says beatification, the step just short of sainthood, will be important not just for her order. The fact is, every mentally capable person looks at entry-level jobs as a first step on the economic ladder. A first home is a step on the ladder, it's never the end goal or the dream home, and is rarely where you'd genuinely like it to be. But you can't rest on your laurels - you must create your CV to get yourself on the next step of the ladder. The thrust of the report is that existing housing policy does not come anywhere near meeting demand for an affordable first step on the ownership ladder. He eventually reached Premier One division, just a step below professional level. Second, clerical work no longer served as the first step on the ladder into management. At least I knew and understood where I stood with men; namely several steps further down the ladder. I also met with scores of Iraqis from all steps of the socioeconomic ladder and all of the major ethnic and religious groups. No-one was sponsoring me for this race and it is merely the first step on the ladder to the big one. Indeed, in many cultures to be a musician is just a few steps above a beggar. The spiralling cost of property has also meant that, for young families, this is usually the first step on the property ladder. Synonyms stage, level, grade, rank, degree phase notch 4North American Music An interval in a scale; a tone (whole step) or semitone (half step). 〔乐〕〈主美〉音级；全音；半音 Example sentencesExamples This scale divides the octave into six equal steps, each a whole tone apart. 5Physics An abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage. 〔物理〕（量值，尤指电压的）突然改变落差 Example sentencesExamples It is possible that each of two generators produces a spark at the same time during a voltage step. Excitation of a suspension of such vesicles with a flash of light generated a voltage step across the membrane. At 0 mV, sparks appeared at the beginning of the voltage step with a probability of unity. The ionization step needed to create an ultracold plasma is performed using nanosecond laser pulses. Single channel responses to voltage steps were simulated using the Noise Simulation program. 6A block fixed to a boat's keel in order to take the base of a mast or other fitting. 桅座 Example sentencesExamples The hull was modified in 1995 to include two ventilated steps, a keel pad and notched transom. verbstepped, stepping, steps stɛpstɛp 1no object, with adverbial Lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position. 跨步走 Claudia tried to step back 克劳迪亚尽力大步往后退。 I accidentally stepped on his foot 我不小心踩到他的脚上。 Example sentencesExamples I scale the stairs quickly as possible, stepping over sitting persons, avoiding an obstacle course of beer bottles. John moved across the small area slowly, occasionally stepping on her feet. I turned around and jumped back into Anna, stepping on her foot. He set me back on my feet and I stepped aside to allow him entrance. Running his hands through his hair, Guy approaches the ladder and steps onto the bottom rung. When I stepped on his foot, not accidentally, he winced in pain and let go of me. The young man stepped closer and Lane caught a better look at him. Moments later the door swung open and a young military nurse stepped into the room. At the bottom of the stairs in the morning, I stepped into two feet of freezing cold water and we decided to evacuate the family. He swooped down and plucked me off my feet, stepping onto the porch. A young man stepped into the firelight, his face partly obscured by tumbles of dark brown hair. I had recently injured my foot by stepping on a laptop plug. If they are successful, the men will step ashore for the first time in four months when they reach the coast of California. I suppose everyone who worked with horses will have had their foot accidentally stepped on. When I open the door so she can take a breather she very seldom steps over the sill. Shakespeare has been with us in Aotearoa since Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1769. Wendy had just lifted her foot to step over to the next joist, and the sudden noise made her startle badly. This was soon to change: a crash course in the Greek language and culture saw him stepping from the plane in Athens six months later. The young man quickly stepped away from the door, pulling it open for his fellow student. At the back of the church, people stepped over a well-dressed young man who seemed unconscious. Synonyms walk, move, tread, pace, stride tread, stamp, trample, tramp squash, crush, flatten 1.1as imperative Used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose. 行走（用于礼貌或恭敬地请某人为某种目的作短距离行走） please step this way 请往这边走。 Example sentencesExamples Calmly but firmly insist on stepping into a private office or conference room where you will attend to his concerns. Well now that the mushy stuff is out of the way, would you mind stepping into my office? Just shy of an hour after I got in, my manager came in and asked me to step into his office when I had a chance. 1.2step itdated Perform a dance. 〈旧〉跳舞 they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers 他们在一排排的跳舞者中间舞到房间的另一头。 Example sentencesExamples Hearing of my trophy for ballroom dancing, the ladies present asked me to step it out with them. Teresa Dunne and her very talented step dancing group will also be stepping it out on the boards. Here's the girl, clueless at how to begin stepping it with the dance partner. The happy couple took to the maple floor and were at peace as they stepped it out and danced to their hearts content. It was then time for more dancing and the gathering took to the floor and stepped it out to strains of Sean Wisley and his band. Synonyms dance, jig, leap, jump, skip, bounce 1.3 Take a particular course of action. 做，采取行动 he stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from his old club 他不顾自己已退休，仍然接听一个来自其已往负责的俱乐部的求救电话。 Example sentencesExamples At 28 he's young enough to make some impact on the division but unless he steps outside Thailand he'll never get it done. In doing so, this set of articles steps squarely into the current debate. He has held pop concerts across China in the shortest period after stepping into stardom. He plays a lawyer who must step beyond the office and mounting files. 2Nautical with object Set up (a mast) in its step. 〔航海〕竖立（桅杆）于桅座上 Example sentencesExamples The cruiser fleet was refloated at the club slipway on Good Friday last and the masts were stepped on Saturday morning. In our first trials we found that the mast could be safely stepped on a single standard frame. Gotheborg will remain alongside fitting out and stepping her masts and rigging before starting sea trials in early 2004. With the ship in the water, its time now to step the mast and attend to the rigging. Phrases break step Stop walking or marching in step with others. 停止齐步走 they walked past me without even breaking step Example sentencesExamples Neither of them broke step as they walked with their heads up but eyes down. Passers-by in this northern suburb in the foothills of Iran's Elborz Mountains are few, and most walk past without breaking step. They were all of different heights and strides yet they never broke step. Then they break step and disperse over Southwark Bridge, chatting and slouching. fall into step Change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person. 调整步伐，齐步行进 Paul fell into step beside Bill Example sentencesExamples He fell into step beside me and took my hand as we walked to our classes. Nick waited for the rest of them to walk past him and fell into step with Crystal. He fell into step beside me and we walked on in silence. ‘Hey Jen,’ he says with a smile, and falls into step beside me as I walk down the hall to Calculus. After school, he came up to me as I was walking home, and fell into step beside me. Maria nodded slowly, and then fell into step beside us. Interested, I fell into step behind them as they walked. Christie nodded, and I fell into step beside her as we walked down the hallway. I started walking back up along the trail, and Butler fell into step beside me. He slowly opened his eyes as he walked forward, falling into step beside his sister. in (or out of) step 1Putting (or not putting) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with. （不）与他人一起走齐步（或合拍跳舞） Example sentencesExamples Nowadays, players are slouching, walking out of step, and passing around water bottles. I heard no distinct word as I passed but a few minutes later when they arose, clasped hands and walked away perfectly in step with one another, I breathed a sigh of relief for them. At one point, young Erin hurried forward to march in step with the Captain. Even the guys who were in the class were in step and in rhythm! Walking down the street beside him, you would notice from time to time his nimble little skip as he changed feet to keep in step. Among the delegates were German veterans and blind ones from France; some of the vets, protesting the political and military madness of the First World War, refused to march in step. Twenty-one young children from the local schools marched in step, each child carrying a rose. Many now in their 80s, they marched in step, medals glinting in the sun at the end of a long, hot day. We headed back up the stairs, then once outside the Media Center, we somehow managed to all start walking side-by-side, in step - it was slightly disturbing. Protectively placing an arm around his mother's shoulders, Michael walks in step with her to the drawing room. 1.1Conforming (or not conforming) to what others are doing or thinking. 〈喻〉（不）一致，（不）协调 the party is clearly out of step with voters 很明显，那个党派与投票人不协调。 Example sentencesExamples The ordinary American continues to be splendidly out of step with the Chattering Classes. It has also given the impression that Britain is acting detrimentally to the general European interest and is the only country marching out of step. England remained out of step with Europe, at least those countries that were Catholic, for more than 200 years and during that time grew to be the most powerful and commercially prosperous nation on earth. If his vanity premiership gets too far out of step with what the party wants, he won't get the chance to serve a full term. That's where art was heading, so he was a little out of step with the intellectual movement. For too long Glasgow has been out of step with the rest of Scotland which complies far more readily with copyright law. At present, they are all out of step with the vast majority of British people. The problem with that, of course, is that those opposition parties are out of step with 82 percent of New Zealanders. The ethnic make-up of Woolwich will certainly put that shop out of step with the local community. Are they going to boot him out of office if he doesn't march in step? Synonyms in accord, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, in accordance, in consensus, in consilience at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony, at loggerheads, in opposition, at outs 1.2(of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena) having (or not having) the same frequency and always in the same phase. 〔物理〕（两个或多个振动或别的循环现象）（不）同步 many oscillations trace out the same pattern but necessarily in step Example sentencesExamples But if the second note is sharpened slightly, say to 445 Hz, a note of some intermediate pitch is heard that pulsates in loudness as the peaks and troughs of the two waves drift in and out of step. If they are in step (in phase, the physicists say), then crest coincides constructively with crest, giving maximum mutual reinforcement. Over time, the quantum waves that accompany the different flavors get out of step, and an electron neutrino seems to morph into a muon neutrino or a tau neutrino and back again. In that case, when the length of one of the arms changes the tiniest bit, the beams will be more in step and produce some light when combined. follow (or tread) in someone's steps Do as someone else did, especially in making a journey or following a career. （尤指旅行或事业上）踏着…的脚步走；效法…的样子，步…的后尘 many of these youngsters hoped to follow in the steps of Gascoigne Example sentencesExamples Now, in cities everywhere there are restaurants following in Alice's steps, providing a market for more and more local producers. A large number of scholars followed in their steps and adhered to their tradition. This is the type of enthusiastic striving that gives flavour to to life and motivates others to follow in our steps. You must learn that I will not follow in your steps. I thought: does this mean he will follow in Howard's steps if elected? It will be a record because no-one else has done it and there are no plans for anyone else to follow in his steps. Poland is a significant wine consumer, too, and the Czech Republic has been following in its steps for the past two years. We can thank Dr Henry Morris and others who have followed in his steps for this. The junior race sees six thousand young people taking part in the biggest junior event in the UK, raising hopes that a new crop of champion distance runners will follow in Paula Radcliffe's steps. Patsy followed in Larry's steps and made a life in the land down-under, also in Perth, with his wife Blanche. Synonyms emulate, copy, take as a model, model oneself on, take as a pattern, pattern oneself after, pattern oneself on, follow the example of, take as an example, take as a role model, take after, follow, follow in someone's footsteps, follow in someone's steps keep step Remain walking, marching, or dancing in step. 齐步前进；合拍跳舞 they marched up and down the parade ground, keeping step with the regimental band Example sentencesExamples And if a company's biggest threat is keeping step with competitors and getting a product to market within six months, then spending money on disaster recovery might even be an imprudent use of resources. Weak as my limbs were I managed to keep step with Nick, though I believe he purposely slowed his pace to accommodate me. However, Jude had an infuriating way of keeping step with her. What's more, the tomography must be able to keep step with the production cycle. I started to speed up my step as well and Ben in turn tried to keep step with me. He may be tall and a little lanky and have a propensity to put his foot in it but when it comes to keeping step on a fast paced political dance floor, Bobby didn't miss a beat. And he definitely didn't notice the figure keeping step with him, watching him curiously. Trade in bulk goods will tend to keep step with the boundaries of military-political interaction, but luxury trade can easily outpace them. With the regimentation of battle tactics and the increasing importance of the need to keep step, drummers became an essential part of European armies. We have to change the interpretation of the rules to keep step with market forces. watch one's step Used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully. 走路小心；行动小心（用作警告） you'd better watch your step with him—he's not as innocent as he looks mind your step—the path's a bit steep Example sentencesExamples When walking, however much you love the city, watch your step as well as looking up at the buildings If you don't obey the higher law of prudence by watching your step on an icy day, you will be compelled to obey the lower law of gravity. I walk down the hall watching my step so I don't bump into anyone and turn into the next corridor; the food court lies ahead. The best way to describe it is to say that it feels like walking on a small boat - you have to watch your step and sometimes you feel sick. They know it is an environment where you have to watch your step. It's the defense's job to make sure that the prosecution watch their boundaries, watches their step. Who were you thinking of instead of watching your step, Evie? Tanya went down the stairs, watching her step carefully. I guess I'll just have to watch my step extra carefully, especially when it come to Annette. And should such claims be advanced, what other social contracts and vows might be up for re-examination, what other unrewarding social institutions would have to start watching their step? Synonyms be careful, take care, step carefully, step cautiously, walk carefully, walk cautiously, tread carefully, tread cautiously, exercise care, exercise caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, watch oneself, be wary, be circumspect, be chary, take heed, be attentive, be on one's guard, have one's wits about one, keep one's wits about one, be on the qui vive one step ahead Managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something. 尽量避免同…的竞争；设法避开危险 I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff 我尽量避免同其他工作人员的竞争。 Example sentencesExamples At the end of the day, in our attempt to go one step ahead, we have ended up two steps behind. Indeed, for much of the film Kenny's strategizing seems to be one step ahead of the others. It was also a race to keep one step ahead of the game. With the new press in full operation, Stewart is now turning his mind to his next investment in his bid to stay one step ahead of the competition. We need to be proactive, one step ahead of the competition - an international leader. Wherever I go, church-wise, I always seem to be one step ahead in vision or desire of where the church is at. That policy is all part of his drive to stay one step ahead. Julie, a trainee nurse, is already one step ahead of her husband, having taken part in a similar ladies-only event. In the good old days, organised crime figures in the United States were cagey, one step ahead of the law at every turn. Against these diminishing odds, Jake and his crew must stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the cops to finally settle their debt. one (or a) step at a time So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next. 逐步地 he's taking everything one step at a time Example sentencesExamples The successful add-ons were built one step at a time. If he is to resurrect his career, he will need to take it one step at a time. For me, this is just another competition, and I have to take everything one step at a time. I want to take things one step at a time. It seems like a long, drawn out process, but if you take things a step at a time, you should be able to create something that you will be able to proudly say you did yourself. My advice to anyone taking on a project like this is to take it a step at a time. I've always taken my career one step at a time. one step forward and two steps back Used to describe a situation in which any progress made is counterbalanced by much greater setbacks. with corporate reform it is a case of one step forward and two steps back Example sentencesExamples His recent promotion represents progress for a sport that too often takes one step forward and two steps back. Whenever you're developing a particular area of your game, sometimes it is one step forward and two steps back. It will take time but as soldiers we understand sometimes you take one step forward and two steps back. Until the last few weeks I thought things had got better but it seems we take one step forward and two steps back. This isn't always the case but it is wise to remember that tweaking hi-fi can sometimes be a case of one step forward and two steps back. It really seems like one step forward and two steps back in looking at our past efforts. Each day, football goes one step forward and two steps back because of football officials who disregard the basic rules of the game. Nothing worked, and we spent two decades taking one step forward and two steps back. step by step So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next. 逐步地 I'll explain it to you step by step 我会一步步地解释给你听。 as modifier a step-by-step guide 渐进指南。 Example sentencesExamples She loved pranks, but they had to be carefully planned out, step by step, whereas he just did it. Your mind and body will find it a lot easier to receive the changes if you make them step by step rather than all in one go in the hope that they will fit together nicely in the swing. Sarah has written a book about their experiences with a step by step guide for people wanting to do it themselves. And it lays out step by step what was done to assemble this bomb and deliver this bomb. He guides you step by step through comprehensive and easy to follow instructions. Pat got right down to business, taking the group step by step through the fundamentals of writing poetry. Now in a step by step guide, I'll show you how I can achieve this. They followed this step by step guide to equipment and software applications at their own speed. The software contains lesson plans, which enable the teacher to cover each of these elements step by step. The exhibits suggested ways and means to reduce weight step by step. Synonyms one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily, slowly but surely step into someone's shoes Take control of a task or job from another person. 接替…的职位（或工作） he failed to notice the ambitious young men waiting to step into his shoes Example sentencesExamples She may be stepping into Boyle's shoes, but she won't be taking his revolutionary approach. But this week, the majority of those drivers returned to their posts and learner drivers did not step into their shoes as intended. Over the past few years we have managed to put about half-a-dozen dealers behind bars but there are always successors ready to step into their shoes. House sitters not only help deter your home from being the target of a burglary, but they step into your shoes and take care of the small things on a day to day basis. Later this month he steps into Gene Kelly's shoes in the £500,000 stage version of Oscar winning film, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre. He stepped into her shoes once before, when she had to pull out due to family crises. He has already stepped into Kenyon 's shoes once before, replacing him as deputy chief executive three years ago. As soon as my father was gone, Nick stepped into his shoes. Who has the authority, the sheer gravitas, to step into his shoes? The man stepping into his shoes, however, is no shadowy unknown. Synonyms deputize, act, act as deputy, substitute, act as substitute, act as stand-in, fill in, sit in, do duty, take over, act as understudy, act as locum, do a locum, be a proxy, cover, provide cover, hold the fort, step into the breach step on it informal Go faster, typically in a motor vehicle. 〈非正式〉赶快；加快车速，踩油门 if we don't step on it, the pub will have closed for the afternoon Example sentencesExamples Our hero stepped on it and took us all on a high speed chase. The driver seemed to be really stepping on it as the bus gained speed very fast. You begin at a dead stop, cop cars piled up maybe eleven inches off your rear bumper waiting patiently for you to step on it and try to make a getaway. Synonyms hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick step out of line Behave inappropriately or disobediently. 偏离常规地做，不合要求地做 if you step out of line once more you're fired! Example sentencesExamples They taught me to let people know when they step out of line. The first is the drill-sergeant type of manager who believes regimented procedure is the best method to ensure no player steps out of line. Players are so in fear of stepping out of line off the pitch they are far from relaxed by the time they step onto it. If your boy steps out of line, do not reason or cajole. Now at least we will all know if she steps out of line and how to take action. There would have been a massive fine if anyone was found to have stepped out of line in the way of drinking and fighting. We've encouraged the Environment Agency to be tight in their management of what's going on and I know they will act if the company steps out of line. Stevens will now have to watch his back as hundreds of leaflets bearing his face, name and the areas he is banned from, are distributed by police so residents can report him if he steps out of line. Now while the arrest numbers are high, police really showing a zero tolerance attitude for anybody who steps out of line. If a player steps out of line then he gets hauled over the coals. step up to the plate Take action in response to an opportunity or crisis. Example sentencesExamples Make sure your congressman steps up to the plate. It's everyone's responsibility to step up to the plate and strive to get what they want while giving others what they want in return. I've really stepped up to the plate on this album. And we want people stepping up to the plate to be vaccinated if they're in a priority group. And we have a very important role to play, but are just so grateful with everyone who's stepping up to the plate to contribute their assets to help with the problem. The federal authorities need to step up to the plate and face their responsibility. They're great Americans and they're stepping up to the plate. The president has boldly stepped up to the plate. However, the association also demanded that the government play a role in the consumer crisis, and openly chided it for not stepping up to the plate. The space program is in complete disarray and no one is stepping up to the plate and trying to find a solution. Phrasal Verbs step aside Withdraw or resign from an important position or office. 下台，退出；辞职 he has stepped aside as adviser to both firms step back Mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively. 退一步以便更客观地思考 I have had to step back and take an honest look at my way of working Example sentencesExamples Think about how difficult it is for some couples to step back from passion to consider contraception. He couldn't help stepping back and looking at the absurdity of his situation. Not once did he step back to draw together various pieces and put them into a single theory. To do this as a nation, we have to step back and view the situation in its totality. Maybe if you step back from the situation and see it from a rational point of view you might see that things are not as bad as they seem. We are uncomfortable with slow things because we have to step back and consider them. M does not step back far enough to allow us to consider the significance of sex as interaction. Do you ever feel like stepping back, reviewing what's going on? It's about time somebody took a few steps back and realised what country is. Over at The Globe and Mail, Kate Taylor steps back and takes a look at the book reviewing debate. step down Withdraw or resign from an important position or office. 下台，退出；辞职 he stepped down as party leader 克伦茨先生一星期以前从党魁的位置上退了下来。 Example sentencesExamples He announced he was stepping down to accept a law school position in California. James has since said he would be stepping down later this year from his position. All year Daly had intimated that he was ready to step down and last night reports of his resignation did not come as any surprise. I remember the day he told me that he was stepping down from that position. He stepped down from office in May this year, ending his second spell as Tory group leader on Doncaster Council. Over the next few days he will have to step down from his various positions on SFA committees. Last night he decided to step down from his position rather than follow his party's line. The real test of a democracy is when an office holder loses an election and steps down. He had to step down from the position because of the closure of the shipyards. They have been sounded but refused to step down from their respective offices. Synonyms resign, stand down, give up one's job, give up one's post, bow out step something down Decrease voltage by using a transformer. （用变压器）降低电压 Example sentencesExamples But larger facilities, including malls, campuses and industrial plants, may take power at ‘high tension’ - between 4,800 and 138,000 volts - and then step it down with their own transformers. For PSD analysis, the reflector voltage was stepped down in 10 to 12 steps, starting from 30 kV, in order to collect fragment ions from the precursor down to immonium ions. AC circuits predominate in the US transmission system because they are compatible with transformers - devices that can step up voltage before electricity is transported or step it down before electricity is distributed to consumers. In this case, the supply provides 12V DC power to the case, which has a small internal regulator to step the voltage down to 3.3V and 5V as needed. And even if mains electricity was used, the voltage would be stepped down to battery-levels. step forward Offer one's help or services. 提供帮助（或服务） a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team 一家公司已经提出要为这个队提供赞助。 Example sentencesExamples Meanwhile, Government sanction has enabled the East Midlands Development Agency to offer allowances for parties stepping forward to help fund the race. To Fidel's surprise, his old comrade Che Guevara steps forward, and is duly appointed Finance Minister. To the coaches and co-ordinators - thanks for stepping forward when we came asking. I share with my sister and mother the doom of always stepping forward when we see something that needs doing that no-one else will own. It was at this point the man - who had been seated near to the pair on the train - stepped forward to offer his help. This was a case of a courageous individual stepping forward and enabling the Army to police itself. It's just a case of being confident, stepping forward and accepting responsibility like a man. Unless a major business steps forward in the future, the carnival could also be in jeopardy. At press time no student had stepped forward offering to cover the substantial deficit. Fourteen candidates stepped forward to jockey for the four available positions. step in 1Become involved in a difficult situation, especially in order to help. 插手帮助（或干预） palace officials asked the government to step in Example sentencesExamples The victim had become involved in a fight outside the pub and Miss Ward stepped in. Bradford is proving that pupils' exam grades go up when business steps in to help failing local education authorities. A while ago I was involved in an incident where I stepped in to help someone who was being spat at by a racist. One source close to the club, who did not want to be named, said that club volunteers had stepped in to help but were no substitute. It really is time that city hall stepped in to try and salvage the situation! By Saturday of last week local African Caribbean churches had stepped in to try to calm the situation down. We are too global now to not have a world body that seeks to prevent wars and steps in when they occur. One OF York's worst eyesore houses could be in line for a facelift if the city council steps in and forces its owner to sell up. But Priya steps in and starts encouraging him and insists that he should cure her of her problem. Thus, government steps in and subsidizes premiums to encourage more farmers to join. Synonyms intervene, intercede, become involved, get involved, act, take action, take measures, take a hand 1.1Act as a substitute for someone. 代替，顶替 Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place 露西在接到通知后很短的时间内就接替了琼的位置。 Example sentencesExamples Blindside flanker Jim Nicholson is out through injury, so natural replacement Duncan Phillips steps in. Neither bothered to turn up and the business editor stepped in to do an admirable job as a late substitute. step out 1Leave a room or building for a short time. 暂时离开，暂时走开 Mrs Giraud has had to step out for a while, but make yourself at home Example sentencesExamples He had to step out of the room for a moment when the rule was being voted on. When a break was called, he stood, smiling, and asked to step out of the room. Her husband asked her to step out of the room, which she did. When Sidney steps out of the room to take one of many cell phone calls, Harold works up the nerve to go over to the actress and introduce himself. He steps out of the room and returns a few minutes later after consulting his manager. So, she hands me a fly-swatter, steps out of the room and goes to phone my step-dad to find out where they keep the bug spray. I stepped out of the room to grab a couple of beers from the kitchen. He thinks a moment, and then steps out of the room. Once Alex is washed she steps out into the main room with her shirt done up loosely. He was attacked after the class nanny stepped out of the room to change another baby's nappy. 2Go out with. 〈北美，非正式〉与…外出娱乐，与…外出参加社交活动 he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress 他与一个红头发的女服务员一起外出参加聚会。 Example sentencesExamples Snogging A-listers and stepping out with celebs could be a career-boosting move for the winners who are still enjoying their first flurry of fame. She has since begun stepping out with Josh, probably the coolest rock star around. Sarah Reid ponders the new round of rumours suggesting he's stepping out with Sophie Dahl What I didn't know at the time was that she had also been stepping out with K on a reasonably regular basis over the last couple of months. It seems Rupert's been stepping out with some rich vixen. She's now stepping out with a gentleman. I'm constantly amazed at the number of gorgeous women who prefer being with a fatty to stepping out with an Adonis. He even switched camps, stepping out with a member of Kylie's troop, no less. He was a member of a failed boyband and has been stepping out with young Samantha for three years now. Turns out he's been snapped stepping out with Star Wars action figurine Natalie Portman and the winsome Winona Ryder. 3Walk with long or vigorous steps. 大步走；健步走 she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully 她喜欢郊游，昂首阔步向前走。 Example sentencesExamples I nudged Glory into a trot and he eagerly stepped out, his long strides eating up the ground. Weak, disused musculature means I have to saunter and stroll rather than step out briskly. step out on Be sexually unfaithful to. 〈美，非正式〉（性关系方面）对…不忠 your mama says Joe is stepping out on you with that strumpet Viola Stokes Example sentencesExamples Because no matter how you look at it, stepping out on your spouse with someone at work is just a bad idea all around. She who gives up her safe conduct to berate her husband for stepping out on her. And of course you are lucky that Contestant No.1 has not yet discerned that you are stepping out on him. Another liked to step out on her partner to smooch with me. step something up 1Increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something. 增加…的量度（或速度、强度） police decided to step up security plans for the match 警察决定为比赛加强安全保障。 Example sentencesExamples Police are stepping up their war on anti-social behaviour on an estate. The visitors were stepping up their game and it was no surprise when they went further ahead in the 59th minute. Security patrols have been stepped up in the border area. They are stepping up ticketing to clamp down on the vehicles using double yellow lines to park in Southampton city centre. Police are now stepping up the campaign to catch the culprit and have asked members of the public to come forward if they know who it is. And as the government steps up its efforts to join the euro we can expect more traders sell sterling in anticipation. Rowdy revellers and arsonists could see their antics crushed as a drive to tackle residents' worries steps up a gear. Police are stepping up their fight against illicit drugs with a pioneering new piece of computer technology. This quality threshold is likely to be raised as the organisation steps up its activities as it moves into the private sector. From there he drove to his home in Glasgow's west end where his security will be stepped up. Synonyms increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate, scale up, boost speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten 2Increase voltage using a transformer. （用变压器）降低电压 Example sentencesExamples European machines, which operate on electrical standards different from those of U.S. machines, require transformers to step voltages up or down. In the pictures you see, it's taking power from an external power supply, stepping it up in voltage, and driving a fluorescent lamp - all at an efficiency of less than 100%. Derivatives step-like adjective MID is described as having a step-like progress instead of inflicting a continuous decline as in Alzheimer's disease. Example sentencesExamples Faced with an acute shortage of labour at the end of the 1960s, along with escalating costs, growers began to look for alternatives to the tiny, step-like terraces built with high retaining walls in the 19th century. If we look around a scene, thinking that our eyes are roaming smoothly, they are, in fact, making a series of step-like shifts of gaze. The staggering of the panels creates a step-like effect, which echoes the motion of the dog and emphasizes the painting's disharmonies of scale, color and reference. The dark-adapted S. coeruleus cell, when subjected to a step-like increase in light intensity, responds with a depolarizing receptor potential. Three beautiful specimens are assigned to this new species, which is characterized by step-like whorls, coarse and prominent collabral costae and spiral caring on the ramp, and a columellar lip with two folds. Origin Old English stæpe, stepe (noun), stæppan, steppan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen. Rhymes cep, Dieppe, hep, misstep, outstep, pep, prep, rep, schlepp, skep, steppe, strep noun.1 phr. phr.v. Definition of step in US English: step nounstɛpstep 1An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running. 跨步，步子 Ron took a step back 罗恩后退了一步。 she turned and retraced her steps 她转过身又折了回去。 Example sentencesExamples There was some falling and some grabbing at us, but pretty quickly he'd managed to take a couple of successful steps. Clip it on, and then track steps taken, miles covered, and calories burned. He then proceeded taking the few steps towards the massive front doors of the palace, which slowly opened, as he got nearer. I remember, as a very young boy, seeing the headlines, and amazing photos, of Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the surface of the moon. He took short shuffling steps and shook his considerable bulk with each one. But when I walk out from the shore, tiny purple crabs run for cover at my first step. Then retrace your steps for a short distance and turn left. Make your advances and retreats take as little time as possible, even if this means taking shorter steps. She closed the distance in a few steps and turned around. I took a couple of tentative steps inside, when the door suddenly slammed behind me. Chad made it to the door in a few short and choppy steps, and yanked it open. May took her arm, and they began to walk with small steps towards the exit. The waiter took a short step backwards, the cheese bowl clattered on the table The pigeon took a couple of steps to the side, and then turned himself round to look behind him. The bleachers echoed in the distance from our rough steps. And she doesn't even have to move much, just a quick twist or a step away is all she needs. Slowly, he strolls away from his house in the direction of Third Street, turning his head every couple of steps. She made her way across the massive Headmaster's office, taking slow, calm steps to the door. By 1946 he could only get around by taking taxi rides, a few steps would make him short of breath. He took a slow step backward, and then fell flat onto his back. Synonyms pace, footstep, stride footstep, footfall, tread, tramp 1.1 The distance covered by a step. 一步的距离，步长 Richard came a couple of steps nearer 理查德又向前走近了几步。 Example sentencesExamples The person was made to carry a bag on his or her back a certain distance, sometimes three steps or across three thresholds. Her entire body shaking, feet suddenly heavy, she struggled to walk the few steps to the front of the house. He stopped just a few steps short of leaving this apartment, possibly forever. We have a man always on the scene, never, never more than a step away from instantaneously covering a story. Gradually move the starting distances back a couple of steps at a time. Michael managed to shuffle a couple of steps to his right and get one arm back inside the building. These are used to determine trip lengths in time and distance in subsequent steps. Maggie looked over at Jen and got up, quickly covering the few steps to gently embrace her daughter. Moving back a few steps, Christian geared himself up and made a run for the door, hitting it against his shoulder. The effect is so unsettling that I stumble back a couple of steps. I was only a couple of steps away, but something below me, at about waist level, was blocking my way. De Vere backed up several steps toward the side staircase. This isn't really a weblog, but it's only a couple of steps removed from one. We were overwhelmed and forced a couple of steps backwards as the hordes flooded past us. I would walk three big steps towards the mat, and then jump as high as I could. 1.2usually in singular A person's particular way of walking. 步态，步姿 she left the room with a springy step 她步态轻盈地离开房间。 Example sentencesExamples There is a spring in the step as the city grooves to a new beat. Men whose step has slowed are thinking of boys they knew when they were boys together. As I walked up the stairs I slowed my steps, smiling at the echo of the staircase. There is a definite spring in the step of Jim as he continues his canvass of the constituency. They were not long in coming, and the quick light step of Mel was followed by the slow tread of Bridget. It's put a little spring in my step knowing that sport can do that to a couple of countries that haven't been getting on so well. It was not just the prospect of receiving a spanking-new car that put a spring in the step. The second half had to be better and thankfully there was an extra spring in City's step when they came out. To me he appeared to have grown less springy of step, heavier in body, less keen of eye. You get an air of invincibility about you and that, as much as any training, puts a spring back in the step. Whatever it is, it works beautifully and is sure to put a spring in anyone's step. Life had to be faced head-on and, that too with a spring in the step! There was a spring in the step of mums and their toddlers at a Bexleyheath playgroup. We set off with a springing step - me particularly - as I had left most of the contents of my small pack at the hut. That is why, judging by the spring in the step of the Feel-Goods, it will take more than another quarter point rise in rates to spoil their mood. The floor was covered in thick, burgundy carpet, which seemed to add an extra spring to one's step. Nowadays, there is a new spring in the step of Clare folk, new talk of a new team, a new manager, a new era. This is not a recipe for a sunny visage and a spring in the step. Since he took on his role at the end of last year, he has been saying things which have put a new spring in the step of anti-grammar school campaigners. Between the milk and the caffeine it puts a spring in your step. Synonyms gait, walk, way of walking, tread, bearing, carriage 1.3 One of the sequences of movement of the feet that make up a dance. 舞步 Example sentencesExamples My ladies and I were having a wonderful afternoon, practicing dance steps. I have monitored the progress of modern dance steps over the past three decades. At first, the image of Astaire trying to acclimate to the unusual steps of Indian dance is humorous. He coped well with his large assortment of jumping steps, as well as multiple pirouettes which were all danced with ease. You cannot experience the dance just by knowing the sequence of steps. On the other hand, she notes that the women are now doing her steps, her choreography. A ‘hyperactive’ only child, she would spend her time milking her parents' cows and practising her ballet steps. She has even mastered some ballroom dance steps, which form part of the choreographed routines for the show. The choir holds dance workshops and steps are choreographed as a group. They are imitating the complex dance steps and hand jives that the group perform in their videos. It hadn't taken Todd long to pick up on the dance steps; to Rachel's surprise Todd had a knack for dancing. They did this all in slow motion, slowly and carefully, as if learning all the steps to a dance routine. In a technical and physical challenge, the dancers perform Peking opera gestures and movements at the same time as they dance ballet steps. While Williams made her way brilliantly through its forest of steps, the dance was more demanding than affecting. After that, they chose and combined the movements with modern dance steps. He has also written concert music that's spacious and flows without a step being danced to it. Learning hula steps and motions and dancing every day is a great way to keep a body flexible while enjoying Hawaiian music. Importantly, during her explanation, she demonstrates dance steps that convey events in the narrative. So it's especially hard to believe that she once found it difficult to do a dance step and snap her fingers at the same time. The pace is fast and the choreography can be tricky, with steps and arm movements often deliberately at odds with each other. Synonyms metre, cadence, rhythm, foot 1.4 A short or easily walked distance. 短距离，近距离；步行的距离 the market is only a short step from the end of the lake 那市场离湖尾很近。 Synonyms short distance, stone's throw, spitting distance 2A flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another. 梯级，台阶 the bottom step of the staircase 楼梯的最底级。 a flight of marble steps 一段大理石的台阶。 Example sentencesExamples At exactly six-thirty that evening, I walked up the steps of Lydia's front porch to ring her doorbell. Aidan was the first to climb up the small steps to the upper level. When I opened the door, Kay was sitting on the bottom step of the grand staircase. They walked up the steps and paused in front of a wooden door that appeared, to Justin at least, very menacing and inhibiting. She didn't have the opportunity to read his expression for long either as he turned and marched across the yard and up the steps to his flat. This is fitted with wall to wall wardrobes and is also partially split level, with steps leading to the en suite shower room. The first thing we both did when we got back was make a beeline for the staircase, each of us putting a foot on the bottom step at the same time. She took her daughter's carrier out of the car and handed it to Lara so she could grab the bags and walk up the three steps to the front porch. Milo moved in for one last kiss, then he turned and walked down the porch steps, moving towards his car. Amanda nervously walked up the front steps of the twins' large house. There is an extensive lawn to the rear laid out over two levels with steps leading up to a hard tennis court. The sound of someone moving noisily up the steps attracted Margaret's attention. Before James got suspicious, I got out of the car and walked up towards the front steps as the last bus rolled away. Wendy saw Dr. Maddox out of the corner of her eye at the bottom step of a stairway leading to a second floor. I walked up the front steps to our house, carrying my bag behind me. The café is on two levels separated by shallow steps. Ahead, at the end of the path, steps led up to double doors standing open. Cut into the granite is a steep, gradually narrowing staircase, with some steps almost one foot high. I carried the plastic tray with the curried cheese pieces down the steps to the basement, a glass of milk held in the crook of my arm. My pool had steps instead of ladders, so you didn't really have to climb. Synonyms stair, tread, tread board 2.1 A doorstep. 门阶 there was a pint of milk on the step 在门阶上有一品脱牛奶。 Example sentencesExamples Milk bottles were still on the step and the dogs and sheep had not been fed. At Lowther Drive it was a similar story at 10am as front gardens were flooded and water inched towards peoples' front steps. He turned onto his front step, then decided against it and walked along the driveway to the carport. Synonyms doorstep, sill 2.2 A rung of a ladder. （梯子的）梯级，横档 Example sentencesExamples I climbed down the steps of my ladder after shoving my new diary under my mattress. He jumps down, missing the last three steps of the ladder and landing right behind her. She screeched as she held on to one of the steps of the steel ladder. Synonyms rung, tread 2.3British A stepladder. Example sentencesExamples He raced to the home of Mrs Caulfield's sister where he also found Mr Caulfield collapsed under a pair of steps. He listed a couple of folding camp chairs, a pair of steps, and a number of coats hanging up. 2.4 Step aerobics. 跑步有氧健身法 as modifier a step class Example sentencesExamples We have had special step classes put on so we could get the hang of it all quicker! With just a few months to go, Annie is preparing for the trip by walking and taking up step classes at her local gym. He indulged in boxing and martial arts, taught aerobics and step classes, and enjoyed running. In a step class, the calorie burn correlates in part with step height. Another benefit: step plus resistance means fewer trips to the gym for separate sessions. This class is for ladies only and includes step aerobics, weights, stretching, etc. While increasing the tempo in your step class may augment intensity, it can also increase the risk of injury. The Tuesday class is step and abdominals while the Thursday class is a total body workout. I frequently see women at my gym take two spinning or step classes in a row. This works well with all kinds of group exercise classes, not just step. The muscular contractions it takes to smile are akin to putting your facial muscles through a 45-minute step class. Gyms schedule tai chi and yoga instruction in addition to the more traditional aerobics and step classes. The Tuesday class is step and toning and Thursdays class will be a total body workout. You might want to try putting a few days between your strength training and step workouts. I was keen on joining because of all the classes, but I've only ever done one - step - on the first weekend it was open. 2.5Climbing A foothold cut in a slope of ice. 〔登山〕（在倾斜的冰上凿出的）踏脚处，立足处 3A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing. 措施，手段 the government must take steps to discourage age discrimination 政府必须采取措施来制止年龄歧视。 a major step forward in the fight for justice 反恐怖斗争的重大举措。 Example sentencesExamples He said the defendant made out a number of cheques in various sums which he cashed for himself and then took steps to cover his tracks. We extend best wishes this week to a local couple taking the big step. The unit have now provided employers with information about how to carry out assessments and practical steps to reduce sound levels. It was at this point that he took the bold step of moving to Iwama. He said he was pleased the officers had taken steps to protect shoppers who spend hard-earned cash on poor-quality fakes. He checks his high blood sugar level daily and takes steps to control it, using insulin injections, diet and exercise. Once you have identified slow code, the next step is to address those issues. The anti-begging campaign comes as York's city centre manager takes steps to identify legitimate buskers. For the author whose literary career began on a slow train to Manchester, it was a huge step. However, council bosses stressed that year-on-year benefits processing was improving thanks to the steps taken by management. After such an emergency you would want to ensure steps were taken to cover such emergencies in future. He said the company was currently investigating whether steps could be taken to inform former members of staff of the situation. The lender should also be ashamed that it took no effective steps to help the couple. U.S. presidents knew about UFO crash retrievals right from the start and took steps to cover up the evidence. But people are taking steps beyond moving cows or horses out of harms way. So for a president contemplating his place in American history, there is currently no strong pressure to take bold steps. Such reports have declined in recent years as industry has taken steps to reduce formaldehyde levels. My plan was moving a little quicker than anticipated so I decided to take things slow after the next step. The next step is to add milk but milk is dangerous and the date stamps are often confusing. The first step was to level the area where the gazebo would be located and set the support columns in concrete. Synonyms course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative take action, take measures, act, take the initiative, move 3.1 A stage in a gradual process. 步骤，阶段 sales are up, which is a step in the right direction 销售在上升，这是向正确方向发展的一个步骤。 Example sentencesExamples Using several drugs to block HIV at different steps of its life cycle is more effective than any one medication. Purists, however, might regard arranging a Schubert string quartet for chamber orchestra as a step too far. Once their physical wounds are healed, the next logical step for the women will be justice. Campaigners claim the final deal will actually mark a step backwards from the position before the summit started. Therefore, the government will proceed with the next step of the recall process. It felt like the first step on a slippery slope to mounting debt. The sound of piped classical music floating through the air at a Billericay Railway Station is a step closer following a donation by local councillors. I'm always a step ahead of the musicians - I'm showing them where the music needs to go and why. If this is true, then we expect to find traces of intermediate steps of this turnover process within these regions. The main purpose of our work was to study the initial alignment of cell membranes to foreign surfaces as an early step of adhesion. They determine the steps of the interaction process that are supposed to lead to consensus between the agents. They want it over and done with so that they can get on with the next step of their rebuilding process. The next step is for the horse to learn how to go slower and collect from the leg - and thus truly accept the leg. The next step involves the external fitting of the safety, beavertail and mainspring housing. It surely didn't happen overnight, and as near as I can determine, it came in several, very gradual steps. We can do finer and finer grain experiments, but at each step of the way, is not our best model one which is digital? She is proud of her accomplishments, and positive about the next step of the campaign, but even she did not get the answers she was seeking. Strike action on Scotland's railways came a step closer yesterday after the main union rejected an above inflation pay rise. Myself, I believe that legalising cannabis will be just another step closer to losing the battle with class A drug abuse. Today Britain's railways are a step closer to being run by and for the nation. Synonyms advance, progression, development, step in the right direction, step forward, move, movement 3.2 A particular position or grade on an ascending or hierarchical scale. 级别，等级 the first step on the managerial ladder 管理层次的最低级别。 Example sentencesExamples But you can't rest on your laurels - you must create your CV to get yourself on the next step of the ladder. Her successor says beatification, the step just short of sainthood, will be important not just for her order. No-one was sponsoring me for this race and it is merely the first step on the ladder to the big one. At least I knew and understood where I stood with men; namely several steps further down the ladder. Indeed, in many cultures to be a musician is just a few steps above a beggar. The thrust of the report is that existing housing policy does not come anywhere near meeting demand for an affordable first step on the ownership ladder. A first home is a step on the ladder, it's never the end goal or the dream home, and is rarely where you'd genuinely like it to be. He eventually reached Premier One division, just a step below professional level. Second, clerical work no longer served as the first step on the ladder into management. The spiralling cost of property has also meant that, for young families, this is usually the first step on the property ladder. I also met with scores of Iraqis from all steps of the socioeconomic ladder and all of the major ethnic and religious groups. The fact is, every mentally capable person looks at entry-level jobs as a first step on the economic ladder. I had good management, good coaching, it improved my game and put me on the first step on the ladder I suppose. Synonyms stage, level, grade, rank, degree 4North American Music An interval in a scale; a tone (whole step) or semitone (half step). 〔乐〕〈主美〉音级；全音；半音 Example sentencesExamples This scale divides the octave into six equal steps, each a whole tone apart. 5Physics An abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage. 〔物理〕（量值，尤指电压的）突然改变落差 Example sentencesExamples Single channel responses to voltage steps were simulated using the Noise Simulation program. It is possible that each of two generators produces a spark at the same time during a voltage step. Excitation of a suspension of such vesicles with a flash of light generated a voltage step across the membrane. The ionization step needed to create an ultracold plasma is performed using nanosecond laser pulses. At 0 mV, sparks appeared at the beginning of the voltage step with a probability of unity. 6A block, typically fixed to the vessel's keel, on which the base of a mast is seated. Example sentencesExamples The hull was modified in 1995 to include two ventilated steps, a keel pad and notched transom. verbstɛpstep 1no object, with adverbial Lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position. 跨步走 Claudia tried to step back 克劳迪亚尽力大步往后退。 I accidentally stepped on his foot 我不小心踩到他的脚上。 Example sentencesExamples The young man quickly stepped away from the door, pulling it open for his fellow student. When I open the door so she can take a breather she very seldom steps over the sill. At the back of the church, people stepped over a well-dressed young man who seemed unconscious. He set me back on my feet and I stepped aside to allow him entrance. Moments later the door swung open and a young military nurse stepped into the room. I suppose everyone who worked with horses will have had their foot accidentally stepped on. Running his hands through his hair, Guy approaches the ladder and steps onto the bottom rung. The young man stepped closer and Lane caught a better look at him. I scale the stairs quickly as possible, stepping over sitting persons, avoiding an obstacle course of beer bottles. If they are successful, the men will step ashore for the first time in four months when they reach the coast of California. This was soon to change: a crash course in the Greek language and culture saw him stepping from the plane in Athens six months later. John moved across the small area slowly, occasionally stepping on her feet. I had recently injured my foot by stepping on a laptop plug. I turned around and jumped back into Anna, stepping on her foot. Shakespeare has been with us in Aotearoa since Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1769. At the bottom of the stairs in the morning, I stepped into two feet of freezing cold water and we decided to evacuate the family. When I stepped on his foot, not accidentally, he winced in pain and let go of me. Wendy had just lifted her foot to step over to the next joist, and the sudden noise made her startle badly. He swooped down and plucked me off my feet, stepping onto the porch. A young man stepped into the firelight, his face partly obscured by tumbles of dark brown hair. Synonyms walk, move, tread, pace, stride tread, stamp, trample, tramp 1.1as imperative Used as a polite or deferential way of asking someone to walk a short distance for a particular purpose. 行走（用于礼貌或恭敬地请某人为某种目的作短距离行走） please step this way 请往这边走。 Example sentencesExamples Calmly but firmly insist on stepping into a private office or conference room where you will attend to his concerns. Just shy of an hour after I got in, my manager came in and asked me to step into his office when I had a chance. Well now that the mushy stuff is out of the way, would you mind stepping into my office? 1.2step itdated Perform a dance. 〈旧〉跳舞 they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers 他们在一排排的跳舞者中间舞到房间的另一头。 Example sentencesExamples The happy couple took to the maple floor and were at peace as they stepped it out and danced to their hearts content. It was then time for more dancing and the gathering took to the floor and stepped it out to strains of Sean Wisley and his band. Here's the girl, clueless at how to begin stepping it with the dance partner. Hearing of my trophy for ballroom dancing, the ladies present asked me to step it out with them. Teresa Dunne and her very talented step dancing group will also be stepping it out on the boards. Synonyms dance, jig, leap, jump, skip, bounce 1.3 Take a particular course of action. 做，采取行动 young men have temporarily stepped out of the labor market Example sentencesExamples He has held pop concerts across China in the shortest period after stepping into stardom. At 28 he's young enough to make some impact on the division but unless he steps outside Thailand he'll never get it done. In doing so, this set of articles steps squarely into the current debate. He plays a lawyer who must step beyond the office and mounting files. 2Nautical with object Set up (a mast) in its step. 〔航海〕竖立（桅杆）于桅座上 Example sentencesExamples In our first trials we found that the mast could be safely stepped on a single standard frame. With the ship in the water, its time now to step the mast and attend to the rigging. Gotheborg will remain alongside fitting out and stepping her masts and rigging before starting sea trials in early 2004. The cruiser fleet was refloated at the club slipway on Good Friday last and the masts were stepped on Saturday morning. Phrases break step Stop walking or marching in step with others. 停止齐步走 Example sentencesExamples Neither of them broke step as they walked with their heads up but eyes down. Then they break step and disperse over Southwark Bridge, chatting and slouching. They were all of different heights and strides yet they never broke step. Passers-by in this northern suburb in the foothills of Iran's Elborz Mountains are few, and most walk past without breaking step. fall into step Change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person. 调整步伐，齐步行进 Example sentencesExamples Interested, I fell into step behind them as they walked. He fell into step beside me and we walked on in silence. He fell into step beside me and took my hand as we walked to our classes. ‘Hey Jen,’ he says with a smile, and falls into step beside me as I walk down the hall to Calculus. He slowly opened his eyes as he walked forward, falling into step beside his sister. Nick waited for the rest of them to walk past him and fell into step with Crystal. Christie nodded, and I fell into step beside her as we walked down the hallway. Maria nodded slowly, and then fell into step beside us. I started walking back up along the trail, and Butler fell into step beside me. After school, he came up to me as I was walking home, and fell into step beside me. in (or out of) step 1Putting (or not putting) one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with. （不）与他人一起走齐步（或合拍跳舞） Example sentencesExamples At one point, young Erin hurried forward to march in step with the Captain. Nowadays, players are slouching, walking out of step, and passing around water bottles. Among the delegates were German veterans and blind ones from France; some of the vets, protesting the political and military madness of the First World War, refused to march in step. Walking down the street beside him, you would notice from time to time his nimble little skip as he changed feet to keep in step. Many now in their 80s, they marched in step, medals glinting in the sun at the end of a long, hot day. We headed back up the stairs, then once outside the Media Center, we somehow managed to all start walking side-by-side, in step - it was slightly disturbing. Protectively placing an arm around his mother's shoulders, Michael walks in step with her to the drawing room. Twenty-one young children from the local schools marched in step, each child carrying a rose. Even the guys who were in the class were in step and in rhythm! I heard no distinct word as I passed but a few minutes later when they arose, clasped hands and walked away perfectly in step with one another, I breathed a sigh of relief for them. 1.1Conforming (or not conforming) to what others are doing or thinking. 〈喻〉（不）一致，（不）协调 the party is clearly out of step with voters 很明显，那个党派与投票人不协调。 Example sentencesExamples The ordinary American continues to be splendidly out of step with the Chattering Classes. At present, they are all out of step with the vast majority of British people. If his vanity premiership gets too far out of step with what the party wants, he won't get the chance to serve a full term. Are they going to boot him out of office if he doesn't march in step? For too long Glasgow has been out of step with the rest of Scotland which complies far more readily with copyright law. The ethnic make-up of Woolwich will certainly put that shop out of step with the local community. The problem with that, of course, is that those opposition parties are out of step with 82 percent of New Zealanders. England remained out of step with Europe, at least those countries that were Catholic, for more than 200 years and during that time grew to be the most powerful and commercially prosperous nation on earth. It has also given the impression that Britain is acting detrimentally to the general European interest and is the only country marching out of step. That's where art was heading, so he was a little out of step with the intellectual movement. Synonyms in accord, in harmony, in agreement, in tune, in line, in keeping, in conformity, in accordance, in consensus, in consilience at odds, at variance, in disagreement, out of tune, out of line, not in keeping, out of harmony, at loggerheads, in opposition, at outs 1.2(of two or more oscillations or other cyclic phenomena) having (or not having) the same frequency and always in the same phase. 〔物理〕（两个或多个振动或别的循环现象）（不）同步 Example sentencesExamples In that case, when the length of one of the arms changes the tiniest bit, the beams will be more in step and produce some light when combined. But if the second note is sharpened slightly, say to 445 Hz, a note of some intermediate pitch is heard that pulsates in loudness as the peaks and troughs of the two waves drift in and out of step. Over time, the quantum waves that accompany the different flavors get out of step, and an electron neutrino seems to morph into a muon neutrino or a tau neutrino and back again. If they are in step (in phase, the physicists say), then crest coincides constructively with crest, giving maximum mutual reinforcement. keep step Remain walking, marching, or dancing in step. 齐步前进；合拍跳舞 Example sentencesExamples And he definitely didn't notice the figure keeping step with him, watching him curiously. Trade in bulk goods will tend to keep step with the boundaries of military-political interaction, but luxury trade can easily outpace them. Weak as my limbs were I managed to keep step with Nick, though I believe he purposely slowed his pace to accommodate me. However, Jude had an infuriating way of keeping step with her. We have to change the interpretation of the rules to keep step with market forces. He may be tall and a little lanky and have a propensity to put his foot in it but when it comes to keeping step on a fast paced political dance floor, Bobby didn't miss a beat. And if a company's biggest threat is keeping step with competitors and getting a product to market within six months, then spending money on disaster recovery might even be an imprudent use of resources. What's more, the tomography must be able to keep step with the production cycle. I started to speed up my step as well and Ben in turn tried to keep step with me. With the regimentation of battle tactics and the increasing importance of the need to keep step, drummers became an essential part of European armies. watch one's step Used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully. 走路小心；行动小心（用作警告） you'd better watch your step with him—he's not as innocent as he looks mind your step—the path's a bit steep Example sentencesExamples If you don't obey the higher law of prudence by watching your step on an icy day, you will be compelled to obey the lower law of gravity. I guess I'll just have to watch my step extra carefully, especially when it come to Annette. They know it is an environment where you have to watch your step. I walk down the hall watching my step so I don't bump into anyone and turn into the next corridor; the food court lies ahead. Tanya went down the stairs, watching her step carefully. And should such claims be advanced, what other social contracts and vows might be up for re-examination, what other unrewarding social institutions would have to start watching their step? When walking, however much you love the city, watch your step as well as looking up at the buildings Who were you thinking of instead of watching your step, Evie? The best way to describe it is to say that it feels like walking on a small boat - you have to watch your step and sometimes you feel sick. It's the defense's job to make sure that the prosecution watch their boundaries, watches their step. Synonyms be careful, take care, step carefully, step cautiously, walk carefully, walk cautiously, tread carefully, tread cautiously, exercise care, exercise caution, mind how one goes, look out, watch out, watch oneself, be wary, be circumspect, be chary, take heed, be attentive, be on one's guard, have one's wits about one, keep one's wits about one, be on the qui vive one step ahead Managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something. 尽量避免同…的竞争；设法避开危险 I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff 我尽量避免同其他工作人员的竞争。 Example sentencesExamples With the new press in full operation, Stewart is now turning his mind to his next investment in his bid to stay one step ahead of the competition. Against these diminishing odds, Jake and his crew must stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the cops to finally settle their debt. At the end of the day, in our attempt to go one step ahead, we have ended up two steps behind. Wherever I go, church-wise, I always seem to be one step ahead in vision or desire of where the church is at. Julie, a trainee nurse, is already one step ahead of her husband, having taken part in a similar ladies-only event. That policy is all part of his drive to stay one step ahead. It was also a race to keep one step ahead of the game. In the good old days, organised crime figures in the United States were cagey, one step ahead of the law at every turn. We need to be proactive, one step ahead of the competition - an international leader. Indeed, for much of the film Kenny's strategizing seems to be one step ahead of the others. step by step So as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next. 逐步地 I'll explain it to you step by step 我会一步步地解释给你听。 as modifier a step-by-step guide 渐进指南。 Example sentencesExamples They followed this step by step guide to equipment and software applications at their own speed. The exhibits suggested ways and means to reduce weight step by step. She loved pranks, but they had to be carefully planned out, step by step, whereas he just did it. Your mind and body will find it a lot easier to receive the changes if you make them step by step rather than all in one go in the hope that they will fit together nicely in the swing. He guides you step by step through comprehensive and easy to follow instructions. Pat got right down to business, taking the group step by step through the fundamentals of writing poetry. And it lays out step by step what was done to assemble this bomb and deliver this bomb. The software contains lesson plans, which enable the teacher to cover each of these elements step by step. Now in a step by step guide, I'll show you how I can achieve this. Sarah has written a book about their experiences with a step by step guide for people wanting to do it themselves. Synonyms one step at a time, bit by bit, gradually, in stages, by degrees, slowly, steadily, slowly but surely step into someone's shoes Take control of a task or job from another person. 接替…的职位（或工作） Example sentencesExamples She may be stepping into Boyle's shoes, but she won't be taking his revolutionary approach. He has already stepped into Kenyon 's shoes once before, replacing him as deputy chief executive three years ago. But this week, the majority of those drivers returned to their posts and learner drivers did not step into their shoes as intended. He stepped into her shoes once before, when she had to pull out due to family crises. As soon as my father was gone, Nick stepped into his shoes. The man stepping into his shoes, however, is no shadowy unknown. Over the past few years we have managed to put about half-a-dozen dealers behind bars but there are always successors ready to step into their shoes. Later this month he steps into Gene Kelly's shoes in the £500,000 stage version of Oscar winning film, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre. House sitters not only help deter your home from being the target of a burglary, but they step into your shoes and take care of the small things on a day to day basis. Who has the authority, the sheer gravitas, to step into his shoes? Synonyms deputize, act, act as deputy, substitute, act as substitute, act as stand-in, fill in, sit in, do duty, take over, act as understudy, act as locum, do a locum, be a proxy, cover, provide cover, hold the fort, step into the breach step on it informal Go faster, typically in a motor vehicle. 〈非正式〉赶快；加快车速，踩油门 Example sentencesExamples Our hero stepped on it and took us all on a high speed chase. The driver seemed to be really stepping on it as the bus gained speed very fast. You begin at a dead stop, cop cars piled up maybe eleven inches off your rear bumper waiting patiently for you to step on it and try to make a getaway. Synonyms hurry up, get a move on, speed up, go faster, be quick step out of line Behave inappropriately or disobediently. 偏离常规地做，不合要求地做 Example sentencesExamples Stevens will now have to watch his back as hundreds of leaflets bearing his face, name and the areas he is banned from, are distributed by police so residents can report him if he steps out of line. If your boy steps out of line, do not reason or cajole. Now at least we will all know if she steps out of line and how to take action. If a player steps out of line then he gets hauled over the coals. They taught me to let people know when they step out of line. We've encouraged the Environment Agency to be tight in their management of what's going on and I know they will act if the company steps out of line. Now while the arrest numbers are high, police really showing a zero tolerance attitude for anybody who steps out of line. There would have been a massive fine if anyone was found to have stepped out of line in the way of drinking and fighting. The first is the drill-sergeant type of manager who believes regimented procedure is the best method to ensure no player steps out of line. Players are so in fear of stepping out of line off the pitch they are far from relaxed by the time they step onto it. step up to the plate Take action in response to an opportunity or crisis. Example sentencesExamples It's everyone's responsibility to step up to the plate and strive to get what they want while giving others what they want in return. And we have a very important role to play, but are just so grateful with everyone who's stepping up to the plate to contribute their assets to help with the problem. I've really stepped up to the plate on this album. The president has boldly stepped up to the plate. And we want people stepping up to the plate to be vaccinated if they're in a priority group. However, the association also demanded that the government play a role in the consumer crisis, and openly chided it for not stepping up to the plate. The federal authorities need to step up to the plate and face their responsibility. They're great Americans and they're stepping up to the plate. The space program is in complete disarray and no one is stepping up to the plate and trying to find a solution. Make sure your congressman steps up to the plate. Phrasal Verbs step aside Withdraw or resign from an important position or office. 下台，退出；辞职 he has stepped aside as adviser to both firms step back Mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively. 退一步以便更客观地思考 Example sentencesExamples He couldn't help stepping back and looking at the absurdity of his situation. Over at The Globe and Mail, Kate Taylor steps back and takes a look at the book reviewing debate. It's about time somebody took a few steps back and realised what country is. Not once did he step back to draw together various pieces and put them into a single theory. Think about how difficult it is for some couples to step back from passion to consider contraception. To do this as a nation, we have to step back and view the situation in its totality. Maybe if you step back from the situation and see it from a rational point of view you might see that things are not as bad as they seem. M does not step back far enough to allow us to consider the significance of sex as interaction. We are uncomfortable with slow things because we have to step back and consider them. Do you ever feel like stepping back, reviewing what's going on? step down Withdraw or resign from an important position or office. 下台，退出；辞职 Mr. Krenz stepped down as party leader a week ago 克伦茨先生一星期以前从党魁的位置上退了下来。 Example sentencesExamples He announced he was stepping down to accept a law school position in California. Last night he decided to step down from his position rather than follow his party's line. The real test of a democracy is when an office holder loses an election and steps down. He stepped down from office in May this year, ending his second spell as Tory group leader on Doncaster Council. James has since said he would be stepping down later this year from his position. He had to step down from the position because of the closure of the shipyards. I remember the day he told me that he was stepping down from that position. All year Daly had intimated that he was ready to step down and last night reports of his resignation did not come as any surprise. Over the next few days he will have to step down from his various positions on SFA committees. They have been sounded but refused to step down from their respective offices. Synonyms resign, stand down, give up one's job, give up one's post, bow out step something down Decrease voltage by using a transformer. （用变压器）降低电压 Example sentencesExamples For PSD analysis, the reflector voltage was stepped down in 10 to 12 steps, starting from 30 kV, in order to collect fragment ions from the precursor down to immonium ions. And even if mains electricity was used, the voltage would be stepped down to battery-levels. But larger facilities, including malls, campuses and industrial plants, may take power at ‘high tension’ - between 4,800 and 138,000 volts - and then step it down with their own transformers. In this case, the supply provides 12V DC power to the case, which has a small internal regulator to step the voltage down to 3.3V and 5V as needed. AC circuits predominate in the US transmission system because they are compatible with transformers - devices that can step up voltage before electricity is transported or step it down before electricity is distributed to consumers. step forward Offer one's help or services. 提供帮助（或服务） a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team 一家公司已经提出要为这个队提供赞助。 Example sentencesExamples At press time no student had stepped forward offering to cover the substantial deficit. I share with my sister and mother the doom of always stepping forward when we see something that needs doing that no-one else will own. It was at this point the man - who had been seated near to the pair on the train - stepped forward to offer his help. To the coaches and co-ordinators - thanks for stepping forward when we came asking. It's just a case of being confident, stepping forward and accepting responsibility like a man. Meanwhile, Government sanction has enabled the East Midlands Development Agency to offer allowances for parties stepping forward to help fund the race. To Fidel's surprise, his old comrade Che Guevara steps forward, and is duly appointed Finance Minister. Unless a major business steps forward in the future, the carnival could also be in jeopardy. Fourteen candidates stepped forward to jockey for the four available positions. This was a case of a courageous individual stepping forward and enabling the Army to police itself. step in 1Become involved in a difficult or problematic situation, especially in order to help or prevent something from happening. 插手帮助（或干预） Example sentencesExamples The victim had become involved in a fight outside the pub and Miss Ward stepped in. A while ago I was involved in an incident where I stepped in to help someone who was being spat at by a racist. By Saturday of last week local African Caribbean churches had stepped in to try to calm the situation down. We are too global now to not have a world body that seeks to prevent wars and steps in when they occur. Thus, government steps in and subsidizes premiums to encourage more farmers to join. It really is time that city hall stepped in to try and salvage the situation! One OF York's worst eyesore houses could be in line for a facelift if the city council steps in and forces its owner to sell up. One source close to the club, who did not want to be named, said that club volunteers had stepped in to help but were no substitute. But Priya steps in and starts encouraging him and insists that he should cure her of her problem. Bradford is proving that pupils' exam grades go up when business steps in to help failing local education authorities. Synonyms intervene, intercede, become involved, get involved, act, take action, take measures, take a hand 1.1Act as a substitute for someone. 代替，顶替 Lucy stepped in at very short notice to take Joan's place 露西在接到通知后很短的时间内就接替了琼的位置。 Example sentencesExamples Neither bothered to turn up and the business editor stepped in to do an admirable job as a late substitute. Blindside flanker Jim Nicholson is out through injury, so natural replacement Duncan Phillips steps in. step out 1Leave a room or building for a short time. 暂时离开，暂时走开 Example sentencesExamples He had to step out of the room for a moment when the rule was being voted on. So, she hands me a fly-swatter, steps out of the room and goes to phone my step-dad to find out where they keep the bug spray. When Sidney steps out of the room to take one of many cell phone calls, Harold works up the nerve to go over to the actress and introduce himself. I stepped out of the room to grab a couple of beers from the kitchen. He thinks a moment, and then steps out of the room. Once Alex is washed she steps out into the main room with her shirt done up loosely. He was attacked after the class nanny stepped out of the room to change another baby's nappy. When a break was called, he stood, smiling, and asked to step out of the room. Her husband asked her to step out of the room, which she did. He steps out of the room and returns a few minutes later after consulting his manager. 2Go out to have a good time. he was stepping out with a redheaded waitress 他与一个红头发的女服务员一起外出参加聚会。 Example sentencesExamples Turns out he's been snapped stepping out with Star Wars action figurine Natalie Portman and the winsome Winona Ryder. Sarah Reid ponders the new round of rumours suggesting he's stepping out with Sophie Dahl What I didn't know at the time was that she had also been stepping out with K on a reasonably regular basis over the last couple of months. She's now stepping out with a gentleman. It seems Rupert's been stepping out with some rich vixen. He even switched camps, stepping out with a member of Kylie's troop, no less. She has since begun stepping out with Josh, probably the coolest rock star around. Snogging A-listers and stepping out with celebs could be a career-boosting move for the winners who are still enjoying their first flurry of fame. He was a member of a failed boyband and has been stepping out with young Samantha for three years now. I'm constantly amazed at the number of gorgeous women who prefer being with a fatty to stepping out with an Adonis. 3Walk with long or vigorous steps. 大步走；健步走 she enjoyed the outing, stepping out manfully 她喜欢郊游，昂首阔步向前走。 Example sentencesExamples I nudged Glory into a trot and he eagerly stepped out, his long strides eating up the ground. Weak, disused musculature means I have to saunter and stroll rather than step out briskly. step something up 1Increase the amount, speed, or intensity of something. 增加…的量度（或速度、强度） police decided to step up security plans for the game 警察决定为比赛加强安全保障。 Example sentencesExamples Security patrols have been stepped up in the border area. Police are now stepping up the campaign to catch the culprit and have asked members of the public to come forward if they know who it is. This quality threshold is likely to be raised as the organisation steps up its activities as it moves into the private sector. From there he drove to his home in Glasgow's west end where his security will be stepped up. Rowdy revellers and arsonists could see their antics crushed as a drive to tackle residents' worries steps up a gear. Police are stepping up their fight against illicit drugs with a pioneering new piece of computer technology. The visitors were stepping up their game and it was no surprise when they went further ahead in the 59th minute. Police are stepping up their war on anti-social behaviour on an estate. They are stepping up ticketing to clamp down on the vehicles using double yellow lines to park in Southampton city centre. And as the government steps up its efforts to join the euro we can expect more traders sell sterling in anticipation. Synonyms increase, intensify, strengthen, augment, escalate, scale up, boost speed up, increase, accelerate, quicken, hasten 1.1Increase voltage using a transformer. （用变压器）降低电压 Example sentencesExamples European machines, which operate on electrical standards different from those of U.S. machines, require transformers to step voltages up or down. In the pictures you see, it's taking power from an external power supply, stepping it up in voltage, and driving a fluorescent lamp - all at an efficiency of less than 100%. Origin Old English stæpe, stepe (noun), stæppan, steppan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen. noun.1 phr. phr.v.
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