one step forward, two steps back
A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Learning this language feels like one step forward, two steps back.”
“The project is frustrating because every time we fix a bug, we find two more; it is one step forward, two steps back.”
“Despite the team's tireless efforts to stabilize the economy, the constant political instability ensured that every recovery was merely one step forward, two steps back.”
Derived from the idiom "two steps forward, one step back," which originates with a traditional anecdote concerning a frog attempting to climb out of a well.
- 01
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 03
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 04
baby step
A small effort made towards the completion of a much larger task.
- 05
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 06
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 07
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 08
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
Last updated August 10, 2026