Italian

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Literally, to cede the stride. Compare French céder le pas.

Verb

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cèdere il passo (first-person singular present cèdo il passo, first-person singular past historic cedétti il passo or (traditional) cedètti il passo, past participle cedùto il passo, auxiliary avére)

  1. (intransitive) to give way or step aside [with a ‘someone’]
    Synonym: dare la precedenza
    • 2019, George Orwell, translated by Nicola Gardini, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Mondadori:
      Il giovane ufficiale entrò e, spostandosi, cedette il passo a una guardia bassa e tozza, che aveva braccia e spalle possenti.
      As the young officer entered and stepped aside, there emerged from behind him a short stumpy guard with enormous arms and shoulders.
      (literally, “The young officer entered and, moving himself, gave way to a short stumpy guard, who had powerful arms and shoulders.”)