step back 1. 后退；向后退缩；退后一步思考 We were ordered to step back. 我们被命令后退。 She stepped back, hardly able to believe her ears. 她惊得直往后退，简直不能相信自己的耳朵。 step back and ask whether it is worth all the trouble 退后一步问一问这样麻烦是不是划得来 2. 梯级式地把(房屋)建造上去 3. 退出；退职 step back from arms sales 退出武器交易