half-step

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To back down from; fail to follow through or complete; to be slack

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To fail to display full commitment, preparation, or genuineness; to be a poser; to be a fake or fraud

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “half-step” mean?

To back down from; fail to follow through or complete; to be slack

Is “half-step” formal or informal?

half-step is generally slang.