step into (someone's) shoes

step into (someone's) shoes

To fill someone's position, especially one of power or authority. I don't know who they're getting to step into Davidson's shoes, but I doubt they'll be anywhere near as good a manager as he was. I tell you, I wouldn't want to step into her shoes. Sure, the pay would be better, but I don't want all that stress!
See also: shoe, step
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

step into someone's shoes

Fig. to take over a job or some role from someone. I was prepared to step into the boss's shoes, so there was no disruption when he left for another job. There was no one who could step into Alice's shoes when she left, so everything came to a stop.
See also: shoe, step
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

step into someone's shoes

Take someone's place, as in He's groomed Harriet to step into his shoes when he resigns. Also see fill someone's shoes; in someone's shoes.
See also: shoe, step
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

step into someone's shoes

COMMON If you step into someone's shoes, you start doing their job instead of them. In America, if a president resigns or dies in office, the vice-president steps into his shoes. Now that Chris is gone she wants me to step into his shoes. Note: You can also say that you fill someone else's shoes if you do their job or hold their position as well as they did. It'll take a good man to fill her shoes.
See also: shoe, step
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

step into somebody’s ˈshoes

take over a job from another person: Mike stepped into his father’s shoes when his father retired as director.
See also: shoe, step
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • step into shoes
  • step into somebody's shoes
  • step into someone's shoes
  • step into someone's boots
  • step into (someone's) boots
  • step/tread on someone's toes, to
  • I don't want to wear out my welcome
  • get someone's dander up, to
  • cover
  • grab someone/something by the throat