meaning of "break step"

[Violino]

Hi:)

Can you confirm the meaning of "break step", please? I can't find it in my dictionaries and even in the Internet.

The high hedge curved into them, running off into the distance beyond the pair of impressive wrought-iron gates barring the men's way. Neither of them broke step. [Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]

Does it mean that they just didn't slow down?

[Skrej]

Hi Violino,

Yes, you are correct. It means that they didn't stop or hesitate, but kept on walking at the same pace.
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[Torsten]

Hi Skrej,

Where do you see the difference between 'break stride' and 'break step'?
Thanks,
Torsten

TOEFL listening discussions: What started this conversation?

[Alan]

Hi,

To me 'break step' suggests that they were not in step any longer - in other words they were no longer walking at the same identical pace.

Alan
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[Skrej]

Hi Torsten,

To me, there isn't much difference. I think you could use them interchangeably.

Possibly 'stride' indicates a longer, swifter, more forceful pace, but that's more of a difference in the speed than a difference in the determination of the person walking. Both indicate a focused determination to get to a goal without distractions.
_________________
Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
***
Did you hear they arrested the Energizer Bunny on battery charges?
***