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stepping back

[/ˈstɛpɪŋ bæk/]
verb phrase / noun
dar um passo atrás; recuar; afastar-se
1. Moving backward by taking a step
He was stepping back slowly from the edge of the cliff.
Ele estava recuando lentamente da beira do penhasco.
2. Withdrawing from involvement or responsibility
She decided to step back from her leadership role to focus on family.
Ela decidiu afastar-se de seu cargo de liderança para se concentrar na família.
3. Taking a break or pause to gain perspective
Sometimes you need to step back and think about the bigger picture.
Às vezes você precisa se afastar e pensar no quadro geral.
NYC Slang
backing up; chillin' out; taking a breather
Synonyms
withdrawingretreatingbacking offdistancing oneselftaking a break
Antonyms
stepping forwardadvancingmoving aheadprogressingengaging

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dar um passo atrás; recuar
Most common usage in both literal and figurative contexts
São Paulo
se afastar; tirar o pé
Colloquial expression meaning to withdraw or disengage
Portugal
dar um passo atrás; recuar
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; formal and informal usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

step back and take a look
know when to step back
step back in time
step back from the brink
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