👉 Dovetailwise is a verb that means to take a step backward, often with a purpose or intention in mind. It can also be used metaphorically to describe taking a step back from something or someone, especially after having done something negative or unpleasant. The term comes from the word "dovetail," which is a type of woodwork used for creating dovetails (two angles cut into a piece of wood), and it's often associated with woodworking or carpentry work.