STEP OVER Meaning and
Definition
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"Step over" is a phrasal verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to the act of physically stepping over or crossing an obstacle, such as a barrier, an object, or a boundary, with one's foot or leg. This action implies the movement of one's body from one side of the obstacle to the other side without engaging or interfering with it.
However, "step over" can also have metaphorical or idiomatic meanings. In certain situations, it can imply bypassing or ignoring an issue, rule, or responsibility, often in a deliberate and nonchalant manner. This could be done to avoid confronting a problem, to overlook a regulation, or to shirk a duty or obligation.
Moreover, "step over" can be used to describe certain athletic movements, particularly in sports such as soccer or basketball. It can refer to a technique or maneuver where a player lifts their leg high enough to clear, pass, or evade an opponent or an object, usually while moving forward or in a specific direction.
In a broader context, "step over" signifies taking a deliberate action to overcome an obstacle, whether physical, metaphorical, or strategic, with the aim of advancing, surpassing, or accomplishing a goal, while often implying the need for agility, awareness, or improvisation.
Etymology of STEP OVER
The etymology of the phrase "step over" can be analyzed by examining the origin and evolution of its individual words. Here is a breakdown:
1. Step: The word "step" can be traced back to the Old English word "steppan", meaning "to go, walk, or tread". In Middle English, it became "steppen" before eventually evolving into the word we use today.
2. Over: The word "over" derives from the Old English word "ofer", which had overlapping meanings such as "above, across, or beyond". It can be traced even further back to the Proto-Germanic root word "*ubiri" meaning "over, across".
Combining these two words, "step over" essentially means to walk or tread across or above something. The etymology suggests that the phrase emerged from the gradual evolution of the English language.
Idioms with the word STEP OVER
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step over
To pass over or go beyond a certain boundary or limit, either physically or metaphorically.
