take a step back

take a step back

1. Literally, to step backward a single step. Everyone take a step back and give him a bit of space. They took a step back to get a better view of the painting.
2. 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 take a step back and consider the bigger picture of the whole company. I think everyone needs to take a step back from this issue for a moment and think about their motivations a bit more critically.
See also: back, step, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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
I'm sick of that movie, and you never let me pick." Instead of fighting like siblings who can't stand each other, take a step back and ask yourself, "If this were our first date, what would I say?" Then say that.
Dear Carol