One step forward, two steps back In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "one step forward, two steps back", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Helen Nguyen

2020-12-14 09:12

Meaning of One step forward, two steps back

Synonyms:

a turn of the screw , make matters worse , a step backwards

One step forward, two steps back negative noun phrase

When you or something take "one step forward, two steps back", it means you or something makes progress but then problems or difficulties happend that make the situation become worse than before

The project is one step forward, two step back now because many employees disagree to go to the remote area.

It seems my English learning has taken one step forward, two step back now.

Your flirting didn't work for her. It really took one step forward, two steps back.

Origin of One step forward, two steps back

*This phrase came from an anecdote about a frog trying to scale a water well ( Imagae source: internet)*

The original phrase “one step forward, two steps backwards” actually derives from an anecdote about a frog. This frog tried to scale a water well by trying to climb up the wall of the well but for every two steps it climbed, it fell back by one step and the term “two steps forward and one step back” was coined.

This phrase was later rearranged to “one step forward, two steps back” to reflect a situation where although you seem to make progress, something bad happens, taking you backwards. So, instead of progress, you end up with digress. (Source:leaderonomics.com)

The Origin Cited: leaderonomics.com .