in step
1. In accordance with or conforming to something, especially what is considered correct, acceptable, etc. You really need to get in step—you work for this site, not for yourself. The senator is often criticized for not being in step with the mainstream views of the party, but that's why her fans love her. Your behavior is not in step with what is considered acceptable at our prestigious university.
2. Following or maintaining the proper rhythm (along with someone or something). Come on, man, you're not in step at all—can't you hear what the bass and drums are doing? Wow, how do they get all those troops to be in step with each other? I've never seen someone so uncoordinated! That guy couldn't be in step with the music if he tried.
in step with (someone or something)
1. In accordance with or conforming to something, especially what is considered correct, acceptable, etc. You really need to get in step with our design standards—you work for this site, not for yourself. The senator is often criticized for not being in step with the mainstream views of the party, but that's why her fans love her. Your behavior is not in step with what is considered acceptable at our prestigious university.
2. Following or maintaining the proper rhythm (along with someone or something). Come on, man, you're not in step with the bass and drums. Wow, how do they get all those troops to be in step with each other? I've never seen someone so uncoordinated! That guy couldn't be in step with the music if he tried.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*in step (with someone)
Fig. [marching or dancing] in cadence with another person. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; march ~; keep ~.) Please keep in step with Jane. You two, back there. You aren't in step.
in step (with something)
and in time (with something)Fig. keeping in cadence with music. John, your violin isn't in step with the beat. Sit up straight and try it again. I'm trying to play in time.
in step
(with someone or something) Fig. as up-to-date as someone or something. Bob is not in step with the times. We try to keep in step with the fashion of the day.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in step
1. Moving to a rhythm or conforming to the movements of others, as in The kids marched in step to the music. [Late 1800s]
2. in step with. In conformity or harmony with, as in
He was in step with the times. The antonym to both usages is
out of step, as in
They're out of step with the music, or
His views are out of step with the board's. [Late 1800s] Also see
in phase;
out of phase.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.