# one step forward, two steps back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/one-step-forward-two-steps-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.