step back

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Verb

step back

1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see step, back
2. (idiomatic) To stop what one is doing and evaluate the current situation.

   Perhaps we should step back for a second and think about solving this problem a different way.

3. (idiomatic) To prevent oneself from becoming emotionally involved in a certain situation.

   As a therapist sometimes you have to step back from your clients' lives.

4. (rail transport, of a driver at a terminal station) to depart driving the train following the train they arrived into the station driving, so as to decrease service turnaround time.

Noun

step back

1. (idiomatic) A reversion to a former state or situation.

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