I am terrified of elevators. I'm going to start taking steps to avoid them.

Behind the Groan

A Step-by-Step Avoidance Plan

Taking steps to avoid something normally means making deliberate plans to stay away from it. Avoiding an elevator by using the stairs also requires literal steps, so the sensible plan becomes its own punchline. Treat the fear as a straightforward confession, then deliver the solution with calm determination. Do not stress “steps”; letting it sound like ordinary planning gives listeners room to picture the staircase themselves.