stand aside
The phrase "stand aside" is often used to describe the act of moving out of the way or stepping down from a role to allow someone else to take over.
Definition
B1Physical Movement
(general)To move to the side, allowing someone else to pass or take a position.
Example
- Please stand aside so the ambulance can get through.
- He stood aside to let the children enter the classroom.
B2Professional/Organizational
(formal)To resign from a job or position voluntarily to allow someone else to take over.
Example
- The CEO decided to stand aside to make room for new leadership.
- She stood aside from her role as chairperson to let a younger member lead.
B2Decision-Making
(formal)To temporarily remove oneself from involvement in an action or decision-making process.
Example
- He chose to stand aside from the negotiations due to a conflict of interest.
- The judge stood aside to ensure an impartial decision.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stand aside":
step asidestand backstand downout of the wayput asidestand offstand bystep backtake a back seatback awaystep offstand behindturn asideout of someone's wayset asidelay asidestand instep overback offstay backstep downstay behindstand onstepping backmove awaymove sidewayssweep asidesit outsit backstep outstep forwardturn awaymake waystand withwalk awaywalk away fromshove overchoose sideskeep backbrush asidegive waystand stillon the sidestay outback outstand patturn one's backgive placemove alongdraw awayon sidekeep awaymove backstand forpull awaystand upclear offhang behindscoot overhands offlook offoff sideget behindback downstay in one's lane