one step forward, two steps back
English edit
Etymology edit
Derived from the idiom "two steps forward, one step back", which originates with an anecdote about a frog in a well.
Noun edit
one step forward, two steps back
- (idiomatic) A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.
- We got all the roofing removed, but the chimney was damaged and we discovered that some rafters had to be replaced. One step forward, two steps back. Or maybe three.