Grammar fix
sidestep
avoid directly
To avoid a problem, rule or question instead of dealing with it directly.
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
A lot of companies sidestep the rules by hiring people as freelancers.
My younger brother is brilliant at sidestepping chores: whenever it's his turn to wash up, he suddenly has homework.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The minister sidestepped around the question.
Say: The minister sidestepped the question.
'Sidestep' already means avoid, so do not add 'around'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Find a way past a problem
How formalEverydayMore formal
get aroundFinding a clever way past a problem or restriction.work aroundFinding another way to proceed despite a problem or limitation.
sidestepYou're here · Often disapproving: dodging a rule, problem or question rather than facing it; 'work around' is the neutral, practical version.