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.

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

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 …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

One-step-forward-two-steps-back definition: (idiomatic) A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.

Dec 20, 2020 · One step forward, two steps back is an analogy, truism and English idiom that suggests that progress is often illusive such that improvements often have negative …

'One step forward, two steps back' is an English idiom describing a situation where progress is slow or difficult because every advancement is followed by a setback.