out of step Definition

step
noun

1. A single complete action of lifting then placing down the foot in walking or running.

Thesaurus: pace, stride, gait, footfall, tread, walk.
2. The distance covered in the course of such an action.
3. A movement of the foot (usually one of a pattern of movements) in dancing.
4. A single action or measure that is taken in proceeding towards an end or goal.

Example: a step in the right direction
Thesaurus: measure, action, move, process, phase, stage, notch, position.
5a. A single (often outdoor) stair, or any stair-like support used to climb up or down;

Form: steps (often)
5b. A stepladder.

Form: steps (often)
Form: pair of steps (also)
5c. A rung on a ladder.

Form: steps (often)
6. The sound or mark of a foot being laid on the ground, etc in walking.
7. A degree or stage in a scale or series.

Example: moved up a step on the payscale
8. A way of walking; gait.

Example: always has a bouncy step
9. naut.
A block, frame, support, etc where the end of a mast, pivot, etc fits.
10. A hairstyle that has two distinctly separate layers.

verb stepped, stepping

intr
1. To move by lifting up each foot alternately and setting it down in a different place.

Thesaurus: pace, stride, advance, recede, tread, march, move, stalk, mince.
intr
2. To go or come on foot.

Example: Step right this way
3. To perform (a dance).

Example: stepped the light fandango
4. To raise (a mast, etc) and fit it into its support, frame, block, etc.
5. To arrange in such a way as to avoid overlap.

Derivative: stepper
noun

Idiom: break step

To no longer be in step.

Idiom: in step

Walking, marching, etc in time with others or with the music.

In harmony, unison, agreement, etc with another or others.
Thesaurus: alike, similar, in agreement, coinciding.

Idiom: keep step

To remain in step.

Idiom: out of step

Not walking, marching, etc in time with others or with the music.

Not in harmony, unison, agreement, etc with another or others.

Idiom: step by step

Gradually.
Thesaurus: carefully, slowly, tentatively, cautiously, gradually.

Idiom: step into something

To enter into it or become involved in it, especially easily or casually.
Example: stepped into a high-flying job

Idiom: step into the breach

To take someone's place, especially when they unexpectedly leave or are unable to fulfil a role, etc.

Idiom: step on it

colloq
To hurry up.

Idiom: step on someone

colloq
To treat them harshly, contemptuously, etc.

Idiom: step on something

To put one's foot down on it.

Idiom: step out of line

To behave in an inappropriate way; to disobey or offend, especially in a minor way.

Idiom: take steps to

To take action in order to.
Thesaurus: act to, do something to.

Idiom: watch one's step

To walk with careful steps in order to avoid danger, etc.

To proceed with caution, taking care not to anger, offend, etc others.
Thesaurus: be careful, take precautions, look out, watch out.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon steppe.

Phrasal Verb: step down

To resign from a position of authority.To reduce the rate, intensity, etc of something.

Phrasal Verb: step in

To take up a position or role as a substitute or replacement.To intervene in an argument.

Phrasal Verb: step out

To walk quickly and confidently with long strides.To go out socially.

Phrasal Verb: step up

To increase the rate, intensity, etc of something. See separate entry step-up.