Stride for stride
/straɪd fər straɪd/
B2
Definition
The phrase "stride for stride" means moving at the same speed and step size as someone else. It is often used to describe two people walking or running side by side without one falling behind or going ahead. It can also mean matching someone’s efforts or progress equally in other situations, like competition or challenges.
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See It in Action
Matching someone’s walking or running pace exactly
- •They walked stride for stride along the narrow path.
- •The two runners matched stride for stride during the entire race.
- •She kept stride for stride with her coach during training.
Keeping equal progress or effort in competition or challenge
- •The company kept stride for stride with its competitors in technology.
- •The team played stride for stride with their opponents until the last minute.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "stride for stride" like "together," but with a focus on matching the steps exactly, not just being close
- ✓Picture two people walking side by side, their feet hitting the ground at the same time and length of step
- ✓It feels like a friendly race where neither person is winning or losing because they keep the same pace
- ✓Sounds like "stride for stride" → imagine two friends saying “step for step” while walking perfectly together
- ✓Think of a relay race where teammates run at the same speed to keep the team strong and balanced
- ✓NOT like "catch up" (where one person is behind and tries to get closer), "stride for stride" means both are equal all the time
- ✓NOT like "lead" (one person ahead), here no one is ahead or behind—they are side by side
- ✓NOT like "run together" (general), "stride for stride" emphasizes exact matching of steps and speed
Try Other Words
- •Step for step: moving with the same steps (Use when emphasizing exact foot movement)
- •Neck and neck: very close in a competition (Use when talking about contests or races)
- •Side by side: next to each other (Use when focus is on position, not speed or pace)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "stride" (a long step while walking or running) + "for" (meaning "in exchange or equal to") + "stride" (repeated to show matching)
- •Etymology: "Stride" comes from Old English "strīdan," meaning to walk with long steps; phrase uses repetition for emphasis on equality
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 19th century to describe walking or running at equal pace; extended metaphorically to competition
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in sports, races, or to describe equal progress in other fields like business or learning
Reflect & Connect
•How can you use "stride for stride" to describe teamwork in everyday life?
•Can you think of a situation where matching someone "stride for stride" might be difficult? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The two friends walked stride for stride because they wanted to ___ the same pace during their hike.
2.When competing, running stride for stride means neither person is ___ or ___ behind.
3.The company kept stride for stride with its rivals, showing they could ___ in the market.
4.You cannot run stride for stride if you do not have the ___ or strength to keep up.
5.The phrase "stride for stride" is different from "catch up" because it means ___ the pace, not trying to get closer.
6.During the race, the runners were stride for stride, making the finish ___ very exciting.
7.When two people walk stride for stride, their steps are usually the same ___ and ___.