What does sidestep mean?
Sidestep means to avoid dealing directly with a problem, question, duty, or confrontation by moving around it or taking an indirect route. It is especially common in journalism and political discussion, where a speaker may be accused of sidestepping an issue if the answer avoids the substance of the question. The word can also describe a literal sideways movement made to avoid an obstacle or collision. In its figurative use, sidestep usually carries a mildly critical connotation: it suggests evasion rather than a legitimate alternative approach. Although the compound is built from “side” and “step,” it is written as one word in standard modern English. Its usefulness lies in capturing a familiar form of avoidance more specifically than words such as “avoid,” while also suggesting an indirect or sideways movement.
To avoid or circumvent a problem, question, responsibility, or confrontation by taking an indirect course of action.
"The committee sidestepped the request for a full investigation."
Common in formal reporting and discussion, often with the implication that the underlying issue remains unresolved.
An action taken to avoid a problem, confrontation, or responsibility; also, a sideways step made to avoid an obstacle.
"His careful sidestep allowed him to avoid answering the question."
The figurative sense is especially common in political and journalistic contexts.
The plural is used for individual acts of avoiding or stepping aside.
"The negotiator made several sidesteps to avoid discussing costs."
A sidestep is both a literal sideways step and a figurative way of escaping a question without answering it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sidestep come from?
Sidestep is a compound formed from the English words “side” and “step,” literally describing a step to one side. Its figurative use for avoiding a question or difficulty developed from that physical sense. Related English words such as “sideways,” “sidelong,” and “sideline” share the same “side” element, though they developed independently as distinct compounds.
Related word forms
How sidestep is actually used
The figurative sense is common in formal reporting and everyday discussion. It often implies that the issue is being avoided rather than resolved.
Easily confused with sidestep
Side-step is an occasional hyphenated spelling of the same verb, while sidestep is the standard modern form.