Tread the stage (4)

I believe the answer is:

step

This clue is a double definition.

'tread' is the first definition.
('step' can be a synonym of 'tread')

'the stage' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Measure - pace" , "one stage of flight" , "Place foot on as with a pest" , "Tramp" , "Pace - part of a procedure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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