step in
The phrase "step in" is versatile, used in various contexts such as intervention, temporary roles, brief visits, and specific clothing types.
Definition
B2General
(common)To become involved in a situation, often to provide help or resolve an issue.
Example
- The manager had to step in to resolve the conflict.
- When the teacher was absent, a substitute stepped in.
B2General
(common)To take over a role or responsibility, especially temporarily.
Example
- She stepped in as the team leader while the manager was on leave.
- He stepped in to cover the shift at the last minute.
B1General
(informal)To make a brief visit.
Example
- I stepped in to say hello on my way to work.
- He often steps in to check on his elderly neighbor.
B2Clothing
(technical)An article of clothing that is put on by stepping into it, such as certain types of shoes or undergarments.
Example
- She wore step-in shoes for convenience.
- The new step-in ski bindings are very popular.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "step in":
step tostep onin stepstep upstep offstep forwardstep outstep overstep on itstep by stepstep backwalk inwalk intojump instand inset footstep downstepping backgo intoe inget income intwo steps aheadstop outstep asidestep chartslip inhop intostep climbbutt inkick instep dancetap inmove in onstart intostepping stonemove ingo intojump onstomp onstand onmove aheadhop onenter intobreak inlean instage rightmove upwatch one's step