side-step—
1. step to one side: Sophia sidestepped and
- walked sharply past Charles.
2. deviate from the direct route:
- I was glad I side-stepped, for the journey was worth a deviation.
3. avoid an issue, etc.:
- I’ve even asked Dinwater that flat out on two occasions. But he’s always side-stepped.
step aside—
1. = side-step 1:
- He will leave his rifle on the rest and step aside, in order that the instructor may take his place.
2. withdraw from a competition, etc.:
- I feel that when there are so many better people for the chairmanship, I should step aside.