step off meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

step off

verbalso spelled step-off

Separable To measure by steps or paces; hence, to divide (a space), or to form a series of marks, by successive measurements, as with dividers.

To avoid a conflict; to back down.

African-American Vernacular; inseparable; African-American Vernacular; inseparable

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see step, off.

He stepped off the train.
Today, when stepping off the train, you're presented with a bright and airy concourse that's ringed with a variety of facilities.2022 January 12, Paul Bigland, “Fab Four: the nation's finest stations: Eastbourne”, in RAIL, number 948, page 27:

noun

Etymology Deverbal from step off.

A drop-off, a sudden decrease.

A preparatory gathering before a larger main event.

[…] is not an issue of choice," National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) head Urvashi Vaid told more than 750,000 gathered at the rally's conclusion. "It is an issue of power." Earlier, at a step-off assembly behind the White House on the Ellipse, Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) director Tim McFeeley thanked feminists for […]1992 May 8, John Zeh, Gay Community News, page 3:
The Cedar Valley High School Marching Band–The Crimson Regiment–will be holding a Step-off meeting TOMORROW Tuesday March 12 at 7:30 pm in the auditorium at Frontier Middle School. We will be measuring for uniforms in the Band Room beginning at 6:30 pm and finishing up any we miss after the 7:30 meeting.2019 March 11, Charlotte Ducas, “Crimson Regiment Step-Off TOMORROW NIGHT, March 12, 2019”, in Cedar Valley Aviators, archived from the original on 21 Nov 2023: