1
general::
Begin a course of action, as in The town is taking steps to provide better street lights, or They took steps to keep their plans secret. [Early 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): take steps (to prevent something)
Fig. to do what is necessary to prevent something. • I took steps to prevent John from learning what we were talking about. • I have to keep John from knowing what I’ve been doing. I can prevent it if I take steps.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs