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one step forward, two steps back. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
one step forward, two steps back, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
one step forward, two steps back in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
Derived from the idiom "two steps forward, one step back", which originates with an anecdote about a frog in a well. This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.
Noun
one step forward, two steps back
- (idiomatic) A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.
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.