The phrase “two steps forward, one step back” means that someone is making progress, but also experiencing some setbacks or difficulties along the way. It can also describe a situation where something improves, but then worsens again. The phrase is based on an anecdote about a frog trying to climb out of a well, but sliding back down for every two steps it takes.
Some examples of using this phrase are:
- I’m trying to learn a new language, but it feels like two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes I can understand everything, and other times I’m completely lost.
- The economy is taking two steps forward, one step back. Just when we thought things were getting better, another crisis hits.
- She’s recovering from her surgery, but it’s two steps forward, one step back. She has good days and bad days.
The phrase can also be reversed to “one step forward, two steps back”, which means that someone is losing more ground than they are gaining, or that something is getting worse instead of better. Some examples of using this phrase are:
- He’s been working on his project for months, but it’s one step forward, two steps back. He keeps running into problems and delays.
- The peace talks are going nowhere. It’s one step forward, two steps back. Every time they agree on something, another dispute arises.
- She’s trying to quit smoking, but it’s one step forward, two steps back. She can go a few days without a cigarette, but then she gives in to temptation.
