step back

Related to step back: make a mark, a far cry from

step back

1. Literally, to step backward. Everyone step back and give him a bit of space. They stepped back to get a better view of the painting.
2. By extension, to withdraw or remove oneself from something, often in order to consider it from a broader or more objective perspective. You're too focused on this project. You need to step back and consider the bigger picture of the whole company. I think everyone needs to step back from this issue for a moment and think about their motivations a bit more critically.
See also: back, step
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

step back (from someone or something)

to move away from someone or something; to move back so as to provide space around someone or something. Please step back from the injured woman. Give her some air. Step back and give her some air.
See also: back, step
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

step back

v.
1. To move backward by taking one or more steps: I stepped back from the edge of the cliff. The police officer told the crowd to step back.
2. To withdraw from something, especially to consider it from a wider perspective: Let's step back from the project for a moment and admire all that we have accomplished. Rather than arguing about every detail, they should step back and determine what is really important.
See also: back, step
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • back door
  • come back and see us
  • back
  • back at (something or some place)
  • be/go back to square one
  • a while back
  • back to square one
  • be back on the rails
  • burn one's bridges/boats, to
  • break one's neck, to
References in periodicals archive
amusing, take a step back and the picture looks grim Such moves are not part of a fresh new plan to reform the economy.
We must not tolerate monetary power-grabs
"I promise you that to safeguard the basic values of the country I will not step back from sacrificing whatever I have by upholding the traditions of the ancestors of the Congress party," she added.
Won't step back from sacrificing everything to safeguard country's values: Sonia Gandhi
The 40-year-old fitness fanatic told Irish Daily Mirror: "It is like when you run your own business and you're juggling a couple of different careers and you become a new mum, you talk to your friends and you look at women in business and you go 'sometimes you got to take a little step back'.
Taking a step back is too much of a Transformation
Bradstock defended Step Back's tendency to jump right in the National, reasoning a minor foot injury - possibly picked up crossing the Melling Road - made it even more pronounced.
Step Back Sandown gamble a mystery to Bradstock team
Shayne is now focusing on a range of film and music projects and makes a welcome return to the stage for Step Back.
Names from the nineties head to Toon
The gathering which started around 2pm, had repeatedly chanted 'undur, undur, Mahathir undur' (Malay for 'step back, step back, Mahathir step back').
In Perak, Malay groups demand Dr M resign as well over Adib's death
The solution is to step back and work on tasks that are important but not urgent.
4 ways busy people sabotage themselves
'However, everyone is reminded that we will not step back from the elections,' he added.
ANP vows to continue election campaign despite Peshawar attack
Park said he decided to "concentrate on the group's overseas businesses," but an industry observer said government pressure to reform the governance structure of the nation's largest financial group is the real reason behind Park's decision to take a step back from management.
Mirae Asset chief forced to step back
STEP Back made virtually every yard of the running to run out a widemargin winner of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Step Back steps up to stroll to Sandown Gold
"If you have doubts instead of going front in defending you make a step back.
Keane 'has doubts in his football' - boss
The 6-foot playmaker, his hair pulled back by a hairband, then, decided to take a step back before swishing a three.
Ravena wants more after winning record fourth gold medal
Republican Senator Susan Collins said President Donald Trump should 'step back' and 'not comment' on special counsel Robert Mueller while he oversees the federal investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
President needs to 'step back' on Mueller: Senator Collins
DEFENCE Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said Britain will not "step back" from European defence despite its impending withdrawal from the EU.
Britain 'will not step back from euro defence'