sidestep

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to step quickly to one side in order to avoid someone or something

   She sidestepped the cyclist as he crossed the pavement.

2. 2
   verb

   to avoid dealing with a question, duty, or difficult issue

   The minister sidestepped every question about the delayed report.

3. 3
   noun

   a step or movement to one side

   A quick sidestep carried the boxer out of reach.

A compound of side + step. The noun first described a literal step to one side; the verb followed, and the figurative sense developed from physically avoiding an obstacle to evading a responsibility or question.

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