takeastepback (third-person singular simple presenttakes a step back,present participletaking a step back,simple pasttook a step back,past participletaken a step back)

1. (figuratively) Towithdraw temporarily from a situation in order toevaluate it; to cease one'scourse of action and take a moment to reflect on it; to try and gain someperspective.
   • 2025 March 5, Richard Wilcock, “DfT sets out its plans with rail reform consultation”, inRAIL, number1030, page28:

     By establishing GBR, the Department for Transport intends to "take a step back" from the day-to-day running of the railways, which will be music to the ears of many.

• step back

• “take a step back” inIdioms and phrases,TheFreeDictionary.com, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.: Farlex, Inc., 2003–2025.