one-step
one-step — noun
1. a lively ballroom dance from the early 1900s, performed to a fast two-beat rhyth
a lively ballroom dance from the early 1900s, performed to a fast two-beat rhythm with short walking steps that move forward and backward across the dance floor.
Kim learned the one-step from an instructor who had danced it since the 1950s.
collocation: learn / do / dance the one-step
Couples in elegant costumes danced the one-step as the orchestra played a fast melody.
subject: couples; context: ballroom setting
The dance competition judges awarded top marks to the pair performing the one-step with perfect timing.
A 1918 silent film shows actors in silk dresses dancing the one-step in a crowded ballroom.
2. the type of fast, two-beat music written to accompany the one-step ballroom danc
the type of fast, two-beat music written to accompany the one-step ballroom dance, typically played by a band or orchestra.
The pianist played a cheerful one-step that filled the dance hall with energy.
collocation: play a one-step
A scratchy one-step crackled from the gramophone as guests arrived at the party.
The bandleader announced a one-step and the trumpet player launched into a fast, upbeat solo.
This album contains several one-steps that were popular in dance halls around the year 1910.
- dance tune
broader term — any music for dancing, not specifically the one-step rhythm; one-step is a specific type of dance tune
用法筆記
This sense refers only to the musical composition itself, distinct from the dance steps (sense 1). Some recordings include both the vocal and instrumental one-step.
one-step — phrasal verb
- one-stepbase form
- one-steps3rd person singular
- one-stepping-ing form
- one-steppedpast simple
1. to treat someone in a dishonest or unkind way, especially by taking advantage of
to treat someone in a dishonest or unkind way, especially by taking advantage of their trust, good nature, or weaker position.
The manager felt the company had one-stepped him by promoting a less experienced coworker.
passive: had one-stepped him / be one-stepped
Fatima warned her brother not to let the car dealer one-step them with hidden charges.
pattern: let [someone] one-step [someone]
Workers claimed the new contract would one-step employees who took time off for medical care.
The tenant association accused the landlord of trying to one-step elderly residents into signing unfair leases.
- take advantage of
broader and more common; can describe both fair and unfair situations
- exploit
stronger in meaning and more formal; implies deliberate harm
- treat fairly
opposite meaning — to act with honesty and kindness
文法句型
one-step + someone
用法筆記
Frequently used in passive or continuous constructions (e.g., 'felt one-stepped,' 'been one-stepping'). The object is usually a person or group in a vulnerable position.