Meaning
To pause and reconsider a situation before proceeding.
Cultural Background
In Spanish politics, 'dar un paso atrás' is often used as a euphemism for resigning or withdrawing a candidacy to allow someone else to lead. In Mexican business culture, being too direct can be seen as rude. 'Dar un paso atrás' is a polite way to disagree with a proposal without being confrontational. In the context of the intense social and economic changes in Argentina, the phrase is frequently used in media to describe the need for social consensus. Used frequently in the context of peace negotiations to describe concessions made by different parties.
Use it to lead
In a meeting, saying 'Demos un paso atrás' makes you sound like a leader who cares about the big picture.
Don't over-use
If you 'dar un paso atrás' too often, people might think you are indecisive or afraid of commitment.
Meaning
To pause and reconsider a situation before proceeding.
Use it to lead
In a meeting, saying 'Demos un paso atrás' makes you sound like a leader who cares about the big picture.
Don't over-use
If you 'dar un paso atrás' too often, people might think you are indecisive or afraid of commitment.
The 'Face-Saving' trick
Use this phrase when you realize you were wrong. It sounds much better than 'Me equivoqué' (I was wrong).
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'dar'.
Ayer, mi jefe y yo ______ un paso atrás para revisar el presupuesto.
The context 'Ayer' (yesterday) requires the preterite tense for 'nosotros'.
¿Cuál es el significado figurado de 'dar un paso atrás'?
En la frase: 'Decidí dar un paso atrás en mi carrera'.
The figurative meaning is about gaining perspective or reconsidering, not literal movement or permanent quitting.
Empareja la situación con la intención de usar la frase.
Situación: Una pareja discutiendo fuertemente por dinero.
In a conflict, 'dar un paso atrás' is used to de-escalate and gain emotional clarity.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAyer, mi jefe y yo ______ un paso atrás para revisar el presupuesto.
The context 'Ayer' (yesterday) requires the preterite tense for 'nosotros'.
En la frase: 'Decidí dar un paso atrás en mi carrera'.
The figurative meaning is about gaining perspective or reconsidering, not literal movement or permanent quitting.
Situación: Una pareja discutiendo fuertemente por dinero.
In a conflict, 'dar un paso atrás' is used to de-escalate and gain emotional clarity.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo siempre, pero generalmente se usa para describir una acción prudente. Sin embargo, en contextos muy competitivos, puede verse como falta de determinación.
Sí, se usa para enfatizar que la necesidad de alejarse o reconsiderar es muy grande.
'Retroceder' es más formal y técnico. 'Dar un paso atrás' es más idiomático y común en la conversación diaria.
Sí, es una expresión universal en el mundo del español.
Related Phrases
Tomar distancia
synonymTo distance oneself emotionally.
Echarse atrás
similarTo back out of a commitment.
Poner pies en polvorosa
contrastTo run away quickly.
Recular para coger impulso
builds onTo step back specifically to gain momentum.
