'sidestep' originates from the combination of 'side' and 'step', where 'side' refers to the lateral part and 'step' means to move by lifting the foot.

'sidestep' evolved from the literal action of stepping to the side to avoid an obstacle, to its figurative use in avoiding issues.

Initially, it meant 'to step to the side', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to avoid or evade'.