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Glite Dictionary
to hotstep back

to hotstep back

8.4
Move quickly backward because you are surprised or afraid
  • phrasal verb
  • Archaic
translation icon : retroceder
  • She couldn't help but hotstep back when the cat hissed at her.

Examples

  • The crowd hotstepped back as the fireworks suddenly exploded nearby.

  • She hotsteps back when the dog barks loudly.

  • He hotstepped back instinctively as the branch snapped close to his face.

  • Don't hotstep back now!

  • He hotstepped back instinctively as the branch snapped close to his face.

  • She couldn't help but hotstep back when the cat hissed at her.

  • The crowd hotstepped back as the fireworks suddenly exploded nearby.

Synonyms

to move back
vsto hotstep back
283 1.7

To step away to an earlier place

is a sudden, alarmed retreat rather than a planned or ordered withdrawal
to jump
vsto hotstep back
217 1.0

To move or start suddenly because you are surprised

is a quick retreat caused by alarm rather than any sudden movement
to leap
vsto hotstep back
199 1.0

To jump quickly from one place to another or make something jump

is a short sudden retreat from alarm rather than a long forceful spring
to startle
vsto hotstep back
50 3.3

To move suddenly, for example by jumping, because you feel surprised

is a quick retreat specifically in response to surprise or alarm
to recoil
vsto hotstep back
19 4.9

To move quickly backward because of fear, pain, or disgust

is a quick retreat caused mainly by sudden alarm or surprise
to rear back
vsto hotstep back
  • Informal
2 7.4

Move back suddenly in anger or protest

is a quick retreat from alarm or surprise rather than anger
to skitter away
vsto hotstep back
1 5.8

To move quickly and lightly away, often because something scares you

is a quick, forceful retreat from alarm rather than a light rapid movement

Antonyms

to advance
417 3.4

To help something move forward or become better

How Quickly

bolt
34 2.9
to recoil
19 4.9
to hotstep back
  • Archaic
8.4
jump
191 1.0
to move back
283 1.7

Surface Forms

hotstep back infinitive
hotstepped back past
hotstepped back past participle
hotstepping back present participle
hotsteps back third person singular

Morphology

hotstep + back

The element 'hotstep' is not a listed dictionary word, so a B1 learner who only knows 'back' and not the novel compound would struggle to derive the meaning. However, the parts 'hot' + 'step' (quick movement) together with 'back' (direction) provide a plausible cue to ‘move quickly backward,’ making the expression only partly predictable rather than fully idiomatic.

Etymology

Hotstep back may come from the clear image of putting your foot on something hot and quickly step back to avoid a burn, like jumping away from a hot stove. So, it now means 'to move or jump backward', often because you are surprised or alarmed.