step in — to intervene or take action in a situation, especially to help or take control
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to intervene or take action in a situation, especially to help or take control
Pronunciation (IPA): /stɛp ɪn/
Example Sentences
- When the boss saw employees fighting over the last donut, he had to step in before World War III started.
- The teacher will step in if the substitute doesn't show up tomorrow.
- My mom always steps in when my dad tries to cook, probably to save our kitchen from disaster.
step in
VERB[/stɛp ɪn/]
to intervene or take action in a situation, especially to help or take control
a calm older student walks between two younger children who are arguing over a soccer ball. She gently places her hands out toward both kids while speaking to them calmly. The two arguing children stop their heated exchange and look up at her attentively. Their angry expressions begin to soften as she helps them find a solution. Other students in the background pause their games to watch the peaceful resolution unfold. someone stepping in to intervene and take control of a difficult situation to help others
When coach steps in, brings a rep in, puts pep in!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English 'steppan' (to walk) combined with 'in' (into). The phrase originally meant literally 'to walk into' but evolved to mean 'to intervene in a situation' or 'to assume a role or responsibility'.
Breakdown
step (to walk, from Old English steppan) + in (into, from Old English in) = to walk into, later extended to mean intervening or taking action in a situation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the boss saw employees fighting over the last donut, he had to step in before World War III started.”
“The teacher will step in if the substitute doesn't show up tomorrow.”
“My mom always steps in when my dad tries to cook, probably to save our kitchen from disaster.”
“The HR department decided to step in after complaints about workplace harassment.”
📚Related Words
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