What does sidestepping mean?
Sidestepping is the present participle of sidestep, a verb meaning to move aside or, more commonly, to avoid dealing directly with a question, problem, obligation, or confrontation. In figurative use, it describes an indirect response that leaves the central issue unresolved: a politician may sidestep an embarrassing question, or an organization may sidestep responsibility for a failure. The word is common in British and American English and is generally understood as mildly critical when applied to people or institutions, although it can also describe a practical or strategic maneuver. Literally, sidestepping means stepping to one side to avoid an obstacle or opponent. The expression is especially useful when describing avoidance that is deliberate but not necessarily dishonest, and it conveys both the movement and the underlying evasion more succinctly than words such as “dodging” or “circumventing.”
verbSidestepping means stepping to one side to avoid something, or figuratively evading or avoiding a question, issue, obligation, or confrontation. It often implies taking an indirect course rather than dealing directly with a problem.
- Figuratively, to avoid or evade a question, issue, responsibility, or confrontation.
- Literally, to move or step sideways in order to avoid an obstacle, person, or collision.
"The minister sidestepped the question about the controversial policy by changing the subject."
"After the interview, the politician continued sidestepping questions about his finances."
"The boxer sidestepped the advancing opponent and moved toward the ropes."
A sidestep can be a precise physical move, a tactical retreat, or a diplomatic way of avoiding the question everyone wanted answered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sidestepping come from?
Sidestep is a compound formed from the English words “side” and “step,” literally describing a step made to one side. Its figurative use for taking an indirect route or avoiding a question developed from the idea of physically moving out of the way. The same component words underlie related formations such as “sideways,” while “sidestep” itself is the base verb and noun from which the present participle “sidestepping” is formed.
Related word forms
How sidestepping is actually used
The figurative sense is neutral in its basic meaning but can carry a mildly negative connotation, suggesting evasion or avoidance rather than a legitimate tactical maneuver. The word is common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with sidestepping
“Sidestep” names the action or the move itself, while “sidestepping” is the present participle, as in “He is sidestepping the question.”