Phrase guide

one step forward, two steps back

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • We got all the roofing removed, but the chimney was damaged and we discovered that some rafters had to be replaced. One step forward, two steps back. Or maybe three.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Derived from the idiom "two steps forward, one step back", which originates with an anecdote about a frog in a well.