Phrasal verb
step down
Meanings
to resign or leave an important position
to move to a lower position or take less responsibility
Definition
To step down means to leave a position of authority or responsibility, often by resigning.
To step down is to stop doing an important job or role, usually because you resign or choose to leave. It is often used about leaders, managers, or officials who give up their position. It can also mean moving to a less important role after being in charge.
Examples
- I decided to step down as team lead after the project finished.
- She will step down from the committee chair role next month.
- They asked him to step down after several staff complaints.
- Our coach chose to step down and let an assistant take over.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse step down (resign/leave a role) with step down on (press on something).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.