(step/come) forward
Meaning(s)
1. volunteer or make an offer, present oneself
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
please step/come forward
Analysis
If you 'step forward', it means to offer to provide help, services or assistance: "An elderly woman stepped forward with information about the robbery." "Would anyone like to step forward for nomination to the board this year?" To 'come forward' has a similar meaning, 'to volunteer', 'to help', or 'to give information', but it also mean to give evidence regarding a crime, or even just to admit to doing something wrong. Both expressions can be used in either Social or Professional contexts, and you could also say 'put yourself forward' in relation to volunteering for something.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Who did this? If you don't step forward and tell me, everyone will be in trouble.
- After coming forward and telling the police he stole the car, he felt much more relaxed.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The company were facing investigation following the allegations of fraud, and so the CEO decided it would best to come forward and admit the truth.
- Okay, everybody! We have a lot of extra work to get done, so if anyone would like to step forward, I'll arrange for overtime.