Two steps forward, one step back.

3前进两步，后退一步 。

youdao

"Two steps forward, one step back, " is what I always tell myself … and it's a realization that even with setbacks, I'm still making forward progress over the long run.

我总是跟自己说要“进两步，退一步，”即使遇到困难，有这样的领悟使我在长久的奋斗后，依然前进。

youdao

There are going to be occasions where you take one step forward and two steps back -- sometimes you take two steps forward and one step back.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and Prime Minister Tusk Press Conference

This suggests that markets may settle into a pattern of two steps forward, one step back.

ECONOMIST: Exaggerated rumors of hedge-funds' demise

"It's two steps forward, one step back, " Mr. Williams said.

WSJ: U.S. Stocks Pull Back