false step

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rather, it’s the poignant devastation of knowing one false step or bad decision could reshape your life that knocks us over.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2025

Bill Belichick creates a culture of accountability and diligence and also can correct the right guard when he takes a false step on a trap block.

From Washington Post • Dec. 16, 2021

But in his mind, he was just one false step from going right back to prison.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2019

The ending was probably drawn with best play but it was also complex enough to allow for maneuvering, and in severe time pressure Caruana made one false step and suddenly the game was over.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2018

If you think about it hard enough, if you trace potential reverberations long enough, every step can be a false step, any move can lead to an unintended consequence.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan