step into one's shoes

step into one's shoes  {v. phr.}

To do what someone else usually does after he has stopped doing it.

When Bill's father died, Bill had to step into his father's shoes to support his mother.

A coach trains the junior varsity to step into the shoes of the members of the varsity team when they graduate.

When the boss retires, his son will step into his shoes.

Compare: IN ONE'S SHOES.