step down from stage; resign; extricate oneself from an embarrassing situation
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesverb
to step down from a stage or podium
neutralLiteral meaning, refers to the physical act of leaving a raised platform.
After the performance ended, the actors stepped down from the stage together to greet the audience.
After the speaker stepped down from the podium, warm applause erupted from the audience.
verb
to step down from public office; to resign; to be ousted
neutralA figurative political or professional usage.
Under enormous public pressure, this president finally stepped down.
With the company's performance declining continuously, the CEO was forced to resign.
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The scandal led to the ousting of several senior officials.
verb
to get out of an embarrassing situation; to save face (often used in the negative)
informalA common idiom. Negated forms like '下不了台' mean 'cannot get out of an embarrassing spot' or 'cannot save face'.
He exposed my mistake in front of everyone, leaving me completely unable to save face.
Your words were too harsh, how can he possibly get out of this embarrassing situation?
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The situation was extremely awkward for a while. Luckily, Xiao Li smoothed things over, allowing everyone to save face.