step into (something)
1. Literally, to put one's foot in something, especially that which is unpleasant or undesirable. It wasn't until I was already inside that I realized I had stepped into dog poop. I'm trying not to step into anything on my way to the church.
2. By extension, to enter into some position, activity, or situation in order to intervene or improve it. We'd still be dealing with this mess if the manager hadn't stepped into the situation to figure out a solution. We have a new marketing specialist stepping into the business to try and turn the company's profits around.
step into something
1. Lit. and step in something to step into something wet, messy, or dirty. Don't step in the mud! What is that stinky stuff you stepped into?
2. Fig. to involve oneself in some matter; to intervene in an affair or dispute. I will have to step into the business and settle the problem. Please don't step into something that does not concern you.
Involve oneself or intervene, as in He knew he'd be able to step into a job in his father's firm, or Jane asked Mary to step into the matter and settle it. Also see step in.
To intervene in some matter: The arbitrator stepped into the dispute to resolve the differences between the union and management.