step forward

/stɛp ˈfɔːrwərd/◆phrasal verb

to move ahead or take initiative

She stepped forward to accept the award.

She moved ahead to receive the award.

general

to move ahead physically or figuratively

The volunteer stepped forward to help the injured person.

The volunteer moved ahead to assist the injured person.

After years of hesitation, he finally stepped forward to confess his feelings.

After years of hesitation, he finally took the initiative to confess his feelings.

Can be used both literally (physical movement) and figuratively (taking initiative).

Collocations

step forward andto take action or initiativestep forward toto move ahead to do something

to take on more responsibility

to retreat or give way

Remember that 'step forward' can describe physical movement (e.g., walking ahead) or taking initiative (e.g., volunteering for a task).

Pay attention to whether the phrase is used in a physical or metaphorical sense to understand its meaning.

From 'step' (to move one's foot) + 'forward' (toward the front). The phrasal verb combines physical movement with the idea of taking action.

Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In figurative use, it often implies taking responsibility or leadership.

step

to move one's foot

root

forward

toward the front

adverb

English Dictionary