Meaning & use
sidestepping
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“sidestepping” is a form of “sidestep”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitivefigurative
Avoiding a problem, question or responsibility instead of dealing with it directly.
Grammar: Takes an object: sidestepping the issue.
Patterns
- sidestep an issue
- sidestep a question
The minister kept sidestepping questions about the budget.
By sidestepping the rules, the firm saved money but risked a fine.
She is good at sidestepping arguments.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Stepping to one side to avoid something such as a person, a ball or a hole in the road.
Grammar: Can take an object or stand alone: sidestepping puddles.
Patterns
- sidestep something
The winger kept sidestepping defenders on his way to goal.
He avoided the mud by sidestepping neatly around it.
Word forms
| base form | sidestep |
|---|---|
| third person singular | sidesteps |
| past tense | sidestepped |
| past participle | sidestepped |
| -ing form | sidestepping |
Common combinations
- sidestepping the issue
- The mayor was accused of sidestepping the issue.
- sidestepping a question
- Sidestepping a question can make an interviewer suspicious.
- sidestepping responsibility
- The manager kept sidestepping responsibility for the delay.
- sidestepping a defender
- Sidestepping a defender, she crossed the ball.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dodging
- Dodging is more informal and often suggests quick physical or verbal avoidance.
- evading
- Evading is more formal and often used for avoiding the law or a duty.
- circumventing
- Circumventing means finding a way around rules or obstacles, often cleverly.
- avoiding
- Avoiding is general and does not suggest a clever movement to one side.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: sidestepping or side-tracking?
sidestepping vs side-tracking
Sidetracking means distracting from the main topic, rather than avoiding an issue.
Practice
Which sentence uses sidestepping in the figurative sense?
Choose one answer.
Sidestepping a question means avoiding it, which is figurative. The puddle sentence is literal.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sidestepping”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.