| 动 get out of a predicament or an embarrassing situation: |
| | 趁势下台阶 seize the chance to back down with good grace; see a way out of a tight spot |
| | 自己想法下台阶 find a way out of a predicament; get out of a bind |
| | 你得给他个台阶下。 You have to help him out of this embarrassment. |