# baby step

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/baby-step
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A small effort made towards the completion of a much larger task.

## Examples

- Learning the alphabet is a baby step toward reading.
- She felt overwhelmed by her new project, so she decided to focus on one baby step at a time.
- Although the recovery process was long and difficult, each small improvement served as a necessary baby step toward his full return to health.

## Origin

The term is derived from the short, uncoordinated physical movements of a young child first attempting to walk.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.