Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom 'one step forward, two steps back' and how to use it in everyday conversation.

If you take one step forward, two steps back, you make progress but then experience events that cause you to be further behind than you were when you made the progress.

Marked by a small amount progress that is then eradicated by a large amount of setbacks, problems, or difficulties. So many administrative hurdles have been thrown up along the way that this whole …

Apr 6, 2025 · The phrase “one step forward, two steps backward” paints a vivid picture of progress and setbacks. It’s a common expression that people use to describe a situation where gains are quickly …

Sep 28, 2024 · one step forward, two steps back (idiomatic) A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.

If you take one step forward, two steps back, you make progress but then experience events that cause you to be further behind than you were when you made the progress.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: The Crisis in Our Party (Russian: Шаг вперёд, два шага назад (Кризис в нашей партии), romanized: Shag vperyod, dva shaga nazad (Krizis v nashey partii)) is a …

Oct 14, 2024 · The idiom “two steps forward, one step back” is often used to describe a situation where progress is made, but it is accompanied by setbacks that slow down the overall advancement.

Jun 23, 2025 · Definition An expression used to describe a situation where progress is made, but it is not a linear path. It implies that progress will be made, but it may take some steps backwards to get there.

Explanation for the 'one step forward, two steps back' phrase in the Phrases.com dictionary. What does the 'one step forward, two steps back' phrase mean? Definitions, usage examples and translations …